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AUTHOR 


MOUNT 

UOR. 


' yBEN 
HAMED 


GUNMAKER 
OF Moscow’” &c 


STREET & SMITH, PUBLISHERS. 
NEW YORK. 

\ 


I 



THE SELECT SERIES 

OF 

POPULAR AMERICAN COPYRIGHT NOVELS. / 

This Series is issued monthly, and fully illustrated. The follo\viii<^ 
are the latest issues : 

No. 24— 'PHAT DOWDY, by Mrs, (Jeorgrio Sheldon. 

No. 28— DFNMAN THOMPSON’S OLD HOMESTEAD. 

No. 22-A HEART’S BITTERNESS, by Bertha M. Clay. 

No. 21-THE LOST BRIDE, by Clara Aiignista. 

No. 20— INOOMAR, by Nathan 1). Uriler, 

No. 10-A LATE REPENTANCE, by Mrs. Mary A. Denison. 

No. IS— ROSAMOND, by Mrs. Alex. McYeig^h Miller. 

No. 17-THE HOUSE OF SECRETS, by Mrs. Harriet Lewis. 

No. 16 — SIBYL’S INFLUENCE, by Mi*s, Oeorg’ie Sheldon. 

No. 15-THE VIRGINIA HEIRESS, by May Agnies Fleming. 

No. 14-FLORENCE FALKLAND, by Burke Brentford. 

No. 18-THE BRIDE EUECT,‘"by Annie Ashmore. 

No. 12-THE PHANTOM WIPE, by Mrs. M. Y. Victor. 

No. 11 — BADLY MATCHED, hv Ifolen Corwin Pierce. 


V 



FEAR NOT TO TRUST ME,” SAID NOUREDDIN.— (P. 67 .) 










THE SELECT SERIES. 

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION, 

Uevoted. to Grood. Reading in JVmerican Fiction. 

Subscription Price, $3.00 Per Year. No. 25.— AUGUST, 1889. 

Copyrighted, 1889 , by Street <& Smtth. 

Entered at the Post Office, Neto York, as Second-Class Matter. 


THE KING’S TALISMAN: 


OR, 


THE LION OF MOUNT HOR. 


AN EASTERN ROMANCE. 


By SYLYANIJS COBB, Jr., 


AUTHOR OF 


“The Gunmaker of Moscow,” “Ben Hanied,” etc. 


JUi 13 1889 ■; 



NEW YORK : 

STREET & SMITH, Publishers 
31 Rose Street, 


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THE KING’S TALISMAN. 


CHAPTER I. 

THE DERYISE AKD HIS PUPIL. 

In the midst of ancient Idumea, like a giant sentinel, 
pointing its granite finger heavenward, towers aloft the 
barren, rugged peak of Mount Hor. 

The hot sun was pouring down its scorching rays upon 
the rocks and sands, and as the shadows of the craggy cliffs 
fell upon the smoother surfaces, they told to the practiced 
eye that the day-king had reached the meridian of his noon- 
tide power. 

Two-thirds of the way up the mountain the rock ran back 
to a wide, shelving plain, upon one side of which, from a 
small crevice in the otherwise solid granite, trickled a spring 
of clear water; while still farther back a deep cavern opened 
its jaws, revealing nothing beyond but chaotic darkness — a 
darkness within the deepest secrets of which only one living 
being had ever penetrated. Stretching away, as far as the 
eye could reach, lay spread out an almost endless waste of 
gently undulating sand, with here and there a black rock 
or oasis to relieve the desert plain; but nearer in toward the 
mountain, the eye might rest upon a scene that not only 


6 


THE KING'S TALISMAN 


relieved the barren, desert waste, but which seemed to spread 
over the whole a sort of stately grandeur. 

At the foot of Mount Hor stood the mighty city of Petra, 
inclosed within its vast amphitheater of towering rocks, 
and looking like a flashing diamond in its rough but im- 
penetrable setting. Nature had built her walls and 
fashioned her single gateway, and even the mighty Babylon 
might not outvie her in her stronghold. Here it was that 
Trajan, with his Koman hosts, after the conquest of Petra, 
was obliged to turn from his ambitious purpose. The pow- 
erful 'Koman marshaled his hosts in vain around its mighty 
walls, and ere long he found himself obliged to leave it un- 
harmed, still rolling in its wealth and power, and still 
reposing beneath the sway of its own king. 

Upon a rude bench, which had been carved out from the 
solid rock, near the mouth of the cavern to which we have 
alluded, sat two persons, just within the shade of an over- 
hanging cliff. One was an old man, who years had run 
into the dead winter of life, and whose white beard and still 
whiter locks gave him great hold upon the reverence of all 
whom he met. He was uncovered; and his only dress con- 
sisted of loose drawers, or trousers, of white linen, and a 
brown mantle which was girded round the waist by a 
leathern thong. The mantle fell back from his shoulders, 
leaving his bosom entirely bare, while in his hand he held a 
stout staff of cedar. The lofty brow was cast in that intel- 
lectual mold which unites with a powerful mind the keen 
and subtle observation and wit, and the countenance, taken 
as a whole, was one which any honest man would at once 
have trusted as the index to a kind and pure heart. Such 
was Abdah Nazor, the Nabathean dervise and soothsayer — 
a man than whom none else in his day was more respected 
by the thousands who hung upon his garments when he en- 
tered the city. 

Abdah Nazor’s companion was a fair-haired youth. 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


7 


Though but eighteen years had passed since his birth, yet 
the graceful rounding of his limbs, and the muscular undu- 
lations of his chest and shoulders gave token of a more 
advanced age. As he now reclined upon the rough stone 
bench, his appearance presented a subject worthy of much 
study, not only from the physical proportions, but also 
from those higher and nobler developments of the inner 
man. There was none of the lumbering, massive iron in his 
structure — a massiveness which betokens the physical 
elephant, and which awakens awe by its external alone; 
but rather like the fine, subtle steel of Toledo and Milan, 
was the youth before us. There was an ease, an elasticity 
and grace even in his very sitting that bespoke the pliant 
muscle and enduring frame. The eye, as it swept the 
distant waste, and anon rested upon the granite-bound city, 
was in very truth as the needle upon the face of the dial; 
through its lustrous, sparkling depths, the whole man could 
be seen, and its language was of a kind that might have 
won the heart of earth^s fairest maiden, or have sent a thrill 
of fear to the bosom of the most powerful enemy. 

The youth^s dress was plain, but yet not so scanty as was 
that of his aged companion. It consisted of loose yellow 
trousers, bound by small cords around the ankles, a sort of 
a doublet made from cameFs hide, which laced up in front 
just to the top of the breast, over which was worn a shirt of 
blue stuff, secured at the waist by a sword belt, while his 
head was covered by an embroidered cap, from which 
dangled a small golden tassel. From his belt was suspended 
a somewhat heavy Damascus sword, and from a convenient 
socket in the left breast of the cameFs hide doublet pro- 
jected the handle of a small dagger, while upon the bench 
at his side lay a light javelin. It would not have taken a 
very close observer to have seen that these weapons be- 
longed to one who, should occasion offer, might use them 
to advantage. In this picture we have drawn Noureddin, 


8 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


the son of Ali Kinah, the corn merchant of Petra; but the 
youth, from the time spent with the old dervise upon the 
mountain, and from the prowess which he had displayed on 
several occasions, had become generally known throughout 
the city as ‘‘ The Young Lion of Mount Hor/' 

Master, said the youth, as he moved in from the end 
of the bench to escape the hot rays of the sun which had 
been gradually gaining over the cliff, "" you say my educa- 
tion is finished/’ 

^‘Nay; I said no such a thing, my child.” 

But vou said I could receive no more instruction from 
you.” 

Ah, that I did say; but there is one teacher whom yet 
you have to study, and to whom I am but as a single sand 
upon yonder desert.” 

There you are wrong, master.” 

Wrong?” 

Yes, wrong. Such a simile is not good. You might 
have said that, compared with the teacher of whom you 
speak, you were but as a single oasis by the verge of nature’s 
richest gardens. When earth affords such storehouses of 
similitudes, let us seek those which may best accord with 
our meaning.” 

In truth, I am corrected,” replied Abdah Nazor, as he 
gazed with admiration upon the features of his pupil. 
‘^No, I will never again draw a similitude of my Maker, 
from the desert waste.” 

Nor of yourself, from one of its burning sands.” 

Perhaps not, though I am still but a mote in the great 
eye of Truth, for even but now I have learned of my pupil 
a lesson.” 

‘^Ay, and I would learn more of thee,” the young man 
said, as he laid his hand upon the shoulder of the old der- 
vise, for your mind is yet stored with treasures of which I 
have as yet had but a single glimmer.” 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


9 


Noureddin, I have indeed wisdom which it is not given 
thee yet to know; but you must obtain it as I did, and you 
will then retain it. I might labor in vain to communicate 
it to thee now.^^ 

^^And how didst thou obtain it?’^ 

‘^By experience. The general path of duty I have 
taught thee, and I have opened thy mind to a knowledge of 
those mysteries which are as chaotic darkness to the ignor- 
ant; but I may never point out to thee the exact works and 
deeds which may become you. You alone can see them. 
Every day will open to your understanding some new duty 
— some new sphere of operation. Along your pathway of 
life new thorns will be constantly rearing their sharp points, 
of which no man can tell thee, and you will be fortunate 
indeed if you avoid and overcome them. Then there will 
be new flowers, too, ever rearing their fragrant sweets in 
your path, and more fortunate still will yon be if you pluck 
them. Ah, my child, too few of God’s children read the book 
of life aright. He who only seeks to avoid danger — whose 
every thought is of overcoming his enemies — lives not at all; 
but the real life is given to him who, with open heart and 
humble soul, seeks to gather to himself the genial flowers 
that God has strewed with such bountiful hand over the 
great fleld of humanity; and then, should danger come, he 
may meet it as becometh a noble soul.” 

Surely,” returned Noureddin, gazing up into his teach- 
er’s face, every man will pluck the flowers of pleasure 
when he sees them in his way.” 

“Ay, my child, and the flowers which the fool plucketh 
may tear and lacerate his flesh with their hidden thorns.” 

The youth gazed in silence upon the old man, but he 
spoke not. Abdah Nazor continued his story: 

“ My child, let me relate to thee a tale. Once there was 
a man who had two sons. The eve of a great festival was 
nigh at hand, and calling his sons to his side he addressed 


10 


THE Kim^S TALISMAN. 


them as follows: children, here are forty piculs of 

gold which I divide equally between you. To-morrow is 
the festival, and I give you the day in which to spend 
the money as you see fit. Now he who, with his gold, shall 
plant the sweetest flower in the memories which shall 
cling to that day shall have money wherewith to follow up 
his pleasure.^ On the next morning the two youths went 
forth. The elder son separated from his younger brother, 
and alone each followed his inclination. At night the elder 
brother returned first. His countenance was flushed with 
excitement, and as he threw himself into a chair he gave 
vent to a joyful exclamation in the memory of the day. 

^^'Well, my son,’ said the father, ^ what have you done 
with your money 

^ Oh, father,^ returned the son, ' I have enjoyed myself 
most exceedingly. The first thing I did was to place one 
piece of gold in the poor-box at the market-place; then I 
sought my companions, and together we passed the day at 
Sfombal’s khan in feasting and conversation. Wit sparkled 
over the surface of our humor, but we forgot not ourselves 
in merriment, for each imparted to the other all he had 
gained of wise experience, and subjects of import were 
brought forward and discussed. Indeed, father, I am sure 
I shall not soon forget the joys of this day.^ 

A smile irradiated the parent’s features as his eldest son 
finished, and just then the younger son entered the apart- 
ment. There was no flush upon his cheek — there was no 
joy sparkling in his eyes; but a serene quiet pervaded his 
features, and a peaceful smile of inward satisfaction rested 
like a ray of golden sunlight upon his face. He would 
have passed on to his chamber, but his father called him 
back and asked him how he had spent the day and his 
twenty pieces of gold. 

^ I will tell you,’ replied the youth, ^ but perhaps you 
will say that I have been foolish. When I went forth this 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


11 


morning I knew not how I should pass the day. I felt that 
it was to be a day of pleasure, but, alas, I could think of no 
new pleasure within my reach. Every day beneath the roof 
of my father brings with it all that can make life pleasant. 
While I stood upon the corner of the market-place, my at- 
tention was arrested by the appearance of an old woman, 
who stood gazing with an almost tearful eye upon a piece of 
coarse meat which a butcher’s dog was devouring. The 
whole expression of her countenance seemed to be concen- 
trated into the one desire for that piece of meat. Curiosity 
led me to approach her, and laying my hand upon her arm, 
I asked her what she desired. For a moment she gazed 
into my face with a kind of vacant stare, and then, more to 
herself than to me, she murmured: ^‘Food, food; food for 
my sick husband and my little ones!” 

‘ I asked no more questions, but immediately changing 
one of my pieces of gold, I bought meat, and bread, and a 
jar of milk, a bottle of wine, and a rush basket in which to 
carry them. It was some time ere I could make the woman 
comprehend that these articles were for her; but when she 
did understand it, she poured forth her thanks, and lifted 
the basket to depart; but it proved too heavy for her, and I 
offered to carry it home for her. She joyfully accepted my 
offer, and as I placed the basket upon my arm, she led the 
way to the outskirts of the city where she entered a small 
house which, though humble in the extreme, was still neat 
and clean, and the interior, though giving place to the most 
meager furniture, was in a tidy and cleanly condition. In a 
single room were three small children and her sick husband. 
I soon heard the story of their sufferings, and I know that 
I heard the truth. My heart waxed warm with joy as I 
saw the husband and father rise up in his bed, and grasp 
the food and drink which had thus been sent him; and 
when those little children gathered around with their grate- 
ful looks, I could not repress the tear of gladness that started 


12 


THE KING'S TALISMAN, 


to my eye. Ere I left I forced upon them my remaining 
nineteen pieces of gold. I dared not stop to receive their 
flood of thanksgiving, but bidding them turn their thanks 
to God, I hurried away. When it grew dark I felt a curi- 
osity to go once more to that part of the city and see if I 
could hear aught of their situation which I might further 
help. I arrived at their door, and at that moment the 
sound of all their voices in unison fell upon my ear. Through 
a crack in the paneling I could see all that passed. The 
father had arisen from his bed and had fallen upon his 
knees; his wife knelt beside him, while the three little ones 
were also upon their knees with their hands clasped toward 
heaven. Together they poured forth their prayer in earn- 
est, heartfelt sincerity, and oh, how my heart leaped when 
I knew that that humble, honest prayer was going up to 
heaven for me! I — I was the object of their prayer. The old 
man and woman, and those three children, were calling down 
blessings from God uppn my head. I turned away toward 
my home, a wiser and better youth, and in the sweet mem- 
ory of that moment, when I stood by that humble door and 
heard the prayer of that relieved family going up to heaven 
for me, dwells a font of joyful recollection earth may never 
take from me.’ 

As the younger son closed his story, the father brushed 
the tears from his aged eyes and clasped the youth to his 
bosom; then turning to his first-born, he said: 

“ ^ My son, tell me, which of you has planted the sweetest 
flower in the memories that shall cling to this day?’ 

The eldest son bowed his head for a moment, and then 
looking up with a frank expression, he murmured, ^ my 
brother — my brother. ’ ” 

Noureddin listened eagerly to his teacher’s simple tale — 
for in such it was that Abdah Nazor was wont to convey 
his instruction— and at the end of a few moments’ silence, 
he said; 


THE KINO'S 'lALISMAN. 


13 


“ Now, I see, good Abdah, what you mean by plucking 
the flowers of life; and I see, too, how men must learn their 
duties from the casual events of existence. But now I 
would have thee tell me why it is that thou hast ever shown 
such solicitude for me, who am but a poor corn-seller^s son?^^ 
The cause is simply this, my child, returned the old 
dervise: At your birth the stars combined to fix the des- 

tiny of the new-born infant, and to me it was revealed that 
Heaven’s favor was intended for you. How I gained that 
revelation I cannot now tell thee, but can only inform you 
that it became my imperative duty to bestow upon you the 
best instruction. As far as my lessons can avail, I believe 
I have done all that is required of me; but yet you shall re- 
ceive such further wisdom as I may from time to time find 
opportunity to bestow. As for your education in the more 
manly exercises — in the use of the steed, the sword, and the 
spear, I have procured the best tutors that I could find, and 
I believe that few men can excel you. Your destiny is yet 
to be written out in history. The mountain of life is before 
you, and to you it belongs to carve out the foot-holds that 
shall support you to the top. But come, the sun is already 
past the meridian, and you have a toilsome journey before 
you reach the city. I shall see thee again ere long.^^ 

Noureddin stooped over and buckled his light sandals 
upon his feet, and then arose from his seat. He would 
have liked to ask his tutor further questions, but he knew 
that the old man never spoke save when he shose. What 
Abdah Nazor once pronounced a secret was sure to re- 
main so. 

The youth took a cooling drink from the dripping spring, 
received the parting embrace of his kind preceptor, and 
then drawing his sword-belt more tightly around his loins, 
he started to descend the mountain. 


14 


THE KINO'S TALISMAN. 


CHAPTER IL 

NOUREDDIlf AND HIS HISTORY. 

When Noureddin had attained the age of eight years, 
Ali Kinah consented to relinquish all claims upon his time, 
and gave him in charge to Abdah Nazor, and under the 
tutorship of the wise old dervise the boy had grown to a 
man. At the time of which we write, the master had con- 
tinued his mental guardianship for the space of ten years, 
and now the youth had reached the boundary of his fixed 
studies. During this time he had mostly resided with his 
father, save a few months in each year which he had spent 
among the mountain fastnesses; but his master’s lessons had 
been ever with him, and he had devoured them with avidity. 
Still Noureddin knew not why such care was bestowed upon 
him. His father was not really poor, but yet he could ill 
afford to *lose the assistance of his son, much less to give 
that son the means to pursue his studies further; but for all 
this, the corn-seller labored hard for his child, and the 
slightest wish on the part of the youth was sure to be an- 
swered by the father. Ali Kinah loved his son, and he felt 
a peculiar pride in beholding his mental and physical de- 
velopments; and the son loved his father, too, with a pure 
affection, and he promised himself that he should yet see 
the day when he might be able to repay his parent for all 
that he had done. 

Slowly did Noureddin pursue his course down the moun- 
tain, sometimes overleaping wide chasms, and sometimes 
letting himself down from crag to crag by his hands. Few 
were there, even among the goat-herds at the foot of the Seir 
and Hor, that could navigate the rugged passes that led up 


THE KING*8 TALISMAH. 


15 


the sides of the mountain; and even to those who knew the 
way the inducement must be very strong ere they would 
venture upon the perilous ascent. But to this very exercise 
did the youth owe much of his strength and elasticity of 
limb, and the labor had become almost a pastime. 

The sun had already dipped upon the desert-bound hori- 
zon when Noureddin reached the foot of the mountain, and 
for some twenty rods his path lay through a narrow defile, 
the sides of which were festooned by the oleander and tam- 
arisk which grew out from the crevices in the granite walls. 

The high rocks cast a deep shadow over the ravine, and as 
the youth entered it, the extremity almost seemed lost in 
gloom. His mind was busy with a thousand thoughts and 
emotions, and he hardly realized that he had entered the 
Eblian pass till he came near losing his footing in the dusky 
gloom. The past ten years were laid open like a scroll to 
his mind, and with a sort of inward satisfaction he dwelt 
upon the scenes therein contained: but through the whole 
he could see no event that was fraught with bitter recollec- 
tion. Once more he drew upon the kindness of his father, 
and once again he digested the lessons of his aged tutor. 
There was a feeling of melancholy gradually creeping over 
his soul, as he thought that he should no more be the com- 
panion of Abdah Nazor; but then the assurance that he 
should yet receive occasional lessons somewhat lightened the 
burden of his mind, and again the image of the kind old 
dervise brought naught but pleasing recollections to his 
mind. 

Noureddih had advanced two-thirds of the way through 
the pass, when he thought he heard a rustling among the 
shrubbery to his right, and partly from curiosity, and partly 
from the novelty of the circumstance, he stopped to ascer- 
tain its cause. The place where the youth had stopped 
was more than three feet wide, save one small cove which 
made into the rock, and which was flanked by a few 


16 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


wild fig trees and running vines. Here it was that Hou" 
reddin had heard the noise, and drawing his sword from 
its scabbard, he moved the branches one side and looked in 
among the shrubbery. Hardly had he done this, and before 
he could penetrate the thick gloom, when a voice from the 
darkness cried out: 

"^Ah, good Eblis— good EblisI* let us go, and we will 
depart in peace!” 

‘^Then out you come!” shouted Houreddin, who saw at 
once the character of the lodgers, at the same time feeling a 
desire to see who could have taken such a place for repose. 

Come out on the instant, or it shall be the worse for 
you.” 

In a few moments the head and shoulders of a powerfully 
built man emerged from the shrubbery, and as he stepped 
forth from the cove he was followed by two more indi- 
viduals equally as stout. 

‘^This way — this way!” cried Noureddin, as he saw that 
the nest had been cleared, and with his sword still drawn 
in his hand, he led the way to the outer entrance of the 
pass. 

He could not repress a light laugh when the frightened 
men stood revealed before him, for most mortals would have 
taken either of them to have been the very individual of 
whom they had been in fear. As the light fqll upon their 
burly forms, they proved to be three of the king’s black 
eunuchs. 

“ Now, what seek ye here?” asked the youth, who at first 


* The name for his Satanic majesty. Hence the pass 
was called Eblian, because the people believed that when 
the devil escaped from Moses he cut his way through this 
rock in his flight to Mount Hor; and a popular tradition 
said that even now he often passed whole nights in the pass, 
to protect his imps and jackioins who reveled among the 
mountains. 


THE KING'S TALISMAN, 17 

thought that the fellows might be trying to escape from 
their master. 

We seek a youth who went up the mountain early this 
morning." 

^‘Ah! And what might have been his name?" 

He is the son of Ali Kinah, the poor corn-seller, and is 
sometimes called Noureddin," returned the chief of the 
eunuchs. 

‘^So, so," Noureddin said, somewhat surprised by the 
strangeness of the incident; ^‘and who has sent you for 
him?’' 

The eunuchs looked at each other for a moment, and then 
turning to the youth, the leader replied: 

^^Our business is with the son of Ah Kinah." 

And did you think to find him in yonder dark hole?" 
returned Noureddin, with a sneer, and then drawing his 
light javelin from its becket at his back, and balancing it 
in his left hand, he continued: ^^Now tell me, who wants 
Houreddin ?" 

The eunuch instinctively drew his yataghan from its sheath, 
but in a moment it was fiying from his grasp by a well- 
aimed blow of the youth^s sword, and starting back a step, 
he cried: 

The king — the king!" 

^^Does the Icing want him?" 

Yes." 

And has the king sent you for him?" 

He has." 

For several moments ISToureddin revolved this circum- 
stance in his mind. Why the king should send for him he 
could not determine, but of the two things he felt confident: 
First, that the king had sent for him, for the presence 
of the chief of the eunuchs was proof enough of that; and 
secondly, that no harm could be directly meditated upon 
him, for in no way had he ever come in contact with 


18 


THE KING’S TALISMAN. 


aught that could tend to implicate him unfavorably. So 
without further hesitation he said to the eunuchs: 

Your silly fright of Eblis came nigh rendering your 
journey fruitless; but as it is, the man you seek stands be- 
fore you. Now tell me what the king desires of me?’' 

Do you speak the truth, sir?” asked the eunuch, gaz- 
ing with a sort of wonder upon the young man. 

I am Noureddin, the son of Ali Kinah, the corn-seller. 
Now answer my question.’' 

That we cannot do, master, for the king has not given 
to us further instructions than merely to call you to his 
presence.'' 

Then lead on, and I will follow you,” replied Noured- 
din, as he placed his javelin back into its becket, and re- 
turned his sword to its scabbard. 

Modad had been upon the throne of Petra for thirteen 
years, and during that time he had established a character 
for tyranny and a revengeful disposition, which led the peo- 
ple to be very careful how they crossed him. Merolboth, 
the former king, left his people no heir to his throne, and 
upon his death, his only brother, Modad, succeeded him; 
but in his reign he had shown none of those kingly virtues 
which characterized the sway of Merolboth. Noureddin 
knew the king's disposition too well to disobey his sum- 
mons, and consequently he resolved to accompany his 
guides to the royal palace, wondering what could be want- 
ing of one like himself, who had never been within the pal- 
ace walls, and who had never come under the eye of the 
monarch. 

It was nearly dark when the youth and his guides reached 
the entrance of the narrow, rugged pass that led into the 
city, but a word from the eunuch procured a passage by the 
soldiers who guarded the way, and without further molest- 
ation they passed on. Perhaps the earth does not . afford 
another such awe and wonder-inspiring spectacle, taken with 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


19 


all its associations and connections, as did this entrance to 
the famed city of Petra. Its width was not more than suf- 
ficient for the passage of two horsemen abreast, while on 
the sides arose the perpendicular walls of rocks, from four 
to seven hundred feet high, which in many places actually 
met at the top, thus forming a gigantic cavern which for- 
ever excluded the rays of the sun, and which, at the same 
time, served as a vast continuation of temples, tombs, and 
dwellings, cut and hewn out of the solid rock. For two 
miles this path descended toward the city, while the rock 
on either hand proportionately increased in height; but 
when, at length, the pass was cleared, the scene that burst 
upon the eye almost beggared description. Golden towers 
and silver domes basked in the light; temples, monuments, 
and obelisks arose in towering grandeur on every hand, 
while seated in the midst of the vast city, like a crystal 
amidst the sparkling sands, stood the royal palace. Splen- 
did indeed was this vast emporium of Eastern wealth and 
grandeur, and mighty was the monarch who ruled over her 
destinies, however much he might have abused the power 
that had fallen upon his shoulders. 


20 


THE KING'S TALISMAN 


CHAPTER III. 

STAKTLING DEVELOPMEI^TS OF KEGAL PLOTTIITG. 

Darkness had succeeded to day, when Noureddin and his 
guides entered the palace, and after waiting a short time, 
the youth was conducted into the king’s presence. Modad 
sat upon an easy lounge of crimson and gold, raised upon a 
platform of ivory porphyry, with no attendants save two 
mutes, who stood one on each side of him. The atmos- 
phere of the apartment was laden with the richest perfumes, 
and the monarch himself gave evident signs of the perfect 
abandon to which he resigned himself. At a sign from the 
king, the eunuchs who had conducted Noureddin to the 
palace withdrew, and the youth was motioned forward. For 
several moments the king gazed upon the noble form of 
the young man before him, as though he sought to read 
his character from his looks, and once or twice a sort of 
shudder passed through Modad’s frame, as he met the 
keen, bold glance of the subject. Noureddin noticed his 
monarch’s manner, and a vague idea of some sinister designs 
insinuated itself upon his mind; but fear was a stranger to 
his bosom, and banishing all needless surmises, he fastened 
his gaze steadily upon the king. 

You are the son of Ali Kinah?” said the king, at length, 
and after he had sufficiently recognized the youth. 

I am, my king,” returned Noureddin, in a firm and 
manly tone. 

The monarch started from his lounge, and the mutes in- 
stinctively laid their hands upon the hilts of their yata- 
ghans. Noureddin dropped his hand upon his sword-haft, 
but he moved not. Modad settled back into his former 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


21 


position, the mutes dropped their hands by their sides, and 
the youth awaited his monarches pleasure, but not, however, 
without a feeling of astonishment and wonder at what had 
happened. 

Your father is not wealthy,” said the king, as he once 
more regained his composure. 

He is poor, sire — quite poor and honest.” 

Then methinks his son should assist him,” remarked 
Modad, struggling hard to keep down the strange emotion 
that started up in his bosom. 

‘‘My father, sire, has governed me as he thought proper. 
In all things I have obeyed his wishes.” 

“ That is well,” returned the king, who seemed to have 
thrown otf the perturbation that had at first affected him; 
“ but I have an office for thee, which may afford thee oppor- 
tunity to repay thy father somewhat for the trouble of your 
education, for I have learned that your mind is well stored 
with early wisdom, and that your limbs are well tuned to 
the use of the sword and javelin.” 

“Sire,” modestly returned the youth, “I shall deem it 
an honor to perform any honorable service for your majesty. 
You may command me.” 

The king may have hesitated a moment ere he answered, 
but the hesitation was hardly perceptible. 

“ Young man,” he said, “ the duty which I shall require 
of thee will be honorable, and thousands there be of my 
subjects who would gladly accept the office.” 

“ Then why not give it into the hands of some one who 
has more experience than I have?” 

“ The business I have to intrust to thy care,” replied the 
king, “ is one that requires tact and knowledge of a pecu- 
liar kind, united to courage and individual skill; and from 
what I have learned of thee, I am confident that you will be 
just the person. You can retire for the night, for I shall 
send for thee early in the morning.” 


22 


THE KING^S TALISMAN, 


‘^Then your majesty knows where my father lives?^^ 

Then how will you send for me?” 

^^Ah, it is not my pleasure that you should leave the 
palace. Rooms are prepared for you near at hand, and you 
shall have a sufficient equipment.” 

Noureddin knew not what to make of this; but as he 
often spent weeks together in the mountains with his pre- 
ceptor, he had no fear that his father would be uneasy at 
his absence, and, moreover, feeling a kind of love of adven- 
ture creeping over him, he readily assented to what was re- 
quired of him, determined, however, that in case he found 
the business such as accorded not with his honor, he would 
drop it. 

At a simple motion from the king, one of the mutes left 
his side, and soon returned with three black eunuchs, who 
conducted the youth from the imperial presence. Noured- 
din was led through long corridors and sumptuous suites of 
apartments, displaying a scene of magnificence and grandeur 
such as he had never before seen or even conceived of, until 
at length he arrived at the place where he was to take up his 
quarters for the night. After conducting him into the 
apartment where a richly covered bed was spread for his 
use, the eunuchs left him to himself. One of them, how- 
ever, seemed to hang behind his companions, and betrayed 
an evident desire to stop, but as the eyes of the others were 
upon him, he hesitatingly followed them out. 

As soon as Noureddin was left alone, he began to reflect 
upon the strange circumstance that was now on the tapis; 
but his was a mind not given to fruitless conjecture, and 
after a little thought he dismissed the subject from his mind, 
save that, of course, the subject-matter formed the principal 
object of his thoughts; but he saw only the past and pres- 
ent — the future he left to the care of his God. 

Ten minutes might have passed since the door had closed 


THE HINGES TA LIS MAH. 


23 


upon the youth, when a light grating was heard, like the 
unbolting of a door beyond, and in a moment more the 
eunuch who had betrayed such evident desire to remain be- 
hind his companions, re-entered the apartment. As he 
closed the door behind him, he gazed cautiously around, 
and then laying his finger upon his lips, he approached the 
bed and sat down upon it, motioning for Noureddin to do 
the same. 

Be quiet,” said the eunuch, in a low, trembling tone, 
as the young man seated himself upon the edge of the bed, 

for if I were to be found here, my head would be food for 
the eagles ere another sun. Be assured that I am thy 
friend.” 

‘^My friend!'^ repeated Noureddin, in surprise. ^^And 
have I enemies?” 

“ I know not that you have enemies,” returned the 
eunuch, with a peculiar emphasis. The lamb that we 
offer at the sacrifice has no enemies, and yet you well know 
its fate.” 

A shudder ran through the young man^s frame, but where- 
fore he knew not. The eunuch continued: 

I know not that the — the — You will be secret?” 

‘‘ Go on,” answered Noureddin, somewhat surprised at 
the hesitation and strange manner of the visitor. If you 
are my friend, you need never fear that I shall betray you, 
and if you are aught else than a friend you had better leave 
me.” 

‘‘ You have more friends in Petra than you may imagine,” 
returned the eunuch, without seeming to notice the manner 
of his companion. I, among others, have promised to 
Abdah Nazor that I would watch over your interests. Why 
he asked the duty of me I know not, but I gave him my 
promise, and I will fulfill it.” 

Go on, then, and trust me as you would your own 
soul,” returned the youth, as he heard the name of his 


24 


THE KINHS TALISMAN, 


beloved tutor. He who comes from Abdah Hazor needs 
no other passport to my confidence. 

Then/^ resumed the eunuch, in a more confident man- 
ner, but still cautiously keeping his eyes and ears open for 
the detection of approaching danger, I will inform you 
of all that has come to my knowledge. I know not that the 
king meditates evil against you, but, still, circumstances 
have conspired to make me think so.^^ 

^^But, surely,^’ interrupted Houreddin, such cannot be 
the case, for until an hour since Modad never saw me, face 

to face, nor have I ever been 

Hold, a moment, young sir — I will soon explain the 
matter to your understanding, and then you can judge for 
yourself. The king of Khaibar has threatened to march 
against our city, and even now he has an army prepared 
for that purpose, his only object being k) possess himself of 
a portion of our wealth, of which he stands greatly in need. 
Modad dares not engage him.^^ 

Dares not engage him!’^ exclaimed Noureddin starting 
from his seat upon the bed, while a flush of indignation 
mounted to his brow. Do you mean to say that our 
monarch dares not engage the dastard Khaibarite king 
— that Modad shrinks from the defense of his city?’ 

That is the truth, my young master; but I pray you 
speak not so loudly, or we shall be overheard.” 

^'But there must be some cause for this,” said the young 
man, in a lower tone; or is the base tyrant a still baser 
coward ?” 

Modad is most assuredly a coward,” returned the 
eunuch; ^^but still there is a deeper cause than that for his 
fear of fighting the king of Khaibar, though he thinks 
that none save himself and Al-Bassa, his chief counselor 
and adviser, know of the fact. For two thousand years 
there has been in the possession of our monarchs a talisman, 
by the virtue of which they have ever been enabled to con- 


THE KING'S TALISMAN, 


25 


quer their enemies; and it is generally believed that no one 
can successfully lead our armies who does not possess it. 
When the good king Merolboth died, the talisman was 
nowhere to be found, though Modad gave out that he had 
it safely within his possession, and the people believe that 
he speaks the truth. The absence of this talisman has 
struck a dread to our king’s soul, and without it he dares not 
fight his enemies.” 

And what is this wonderful talisman?” 

It is a massive diamond, of such purity and brilliancy 
that even at night it gleams like a star. It is set just above 
the visor of a golden helmet, and such is its power in the 
sunlight, that he who would strike the king who wears 
it upon his brow is so completely blinded by its brilliancy as 
to lose the aim of his stroke. Now neither the diamond nor 
the golden helmet has Modad ever possessed, and he dares 
not stand forth in defense of his city, and consequently he 
has made the most base and degrading overtures to his 
enemy in purchase of peace.” 

‘^And does the king think to see me carry his designs 
into execution?” exclaimed Noureddin. ^^Does he think 
to make me a tool of his baseness?” 

He certainly does,” replied the eunuch; but he has 
tempered his designs upon you with a little kindness, never- 
theless. ” 

Ah,” uttered the young man, gazing into the dark face 
of his companion, with a good degree of curiosity. 

Yes,” calmly responded the black messenger, ‘^he 
means not that you shall live to hear the disgrace of the 
deed.” 

Noureddin started from the bedside, and his hand rested 
significantly upon his sword-hilt. There was fire in his eye, 
and a proud flush upon his noble brow. 

^^Do you know the nature of this message?” he at length 
asked. 


26 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


Yes. Modad has agreed to send to the Khaibarite king 
two camels^ loads of gold, and one of amethysts, pearls, ru- 
bies, and diamonds; but the most villainous part of the 
compact is, that our monarch gives to his Eastern enemy 
one of our fairest virgins as a slave. Selina, the daughter 
of Al-Bassa, the counselor, is to be the victim, and the 
old man dare not oppose Modad^s will. The king of Khai- 
bar has asked this latter sacrifice only to humble the pride 
of our people by holding one of their noblest-born maid- 
ens at his pleasure. But to carry out this plan, without 
exposing to the people the disgrace that was being cast 
upon them, was no easy matter. Modad dared not in- 
trust the business to any of the officers of the city, for in 
such case his villainy would become known; so he has been 
for the last five days seeking for a youth whose parentage 
was obscure, and whose loss would create no noise or ex- 
citement, and who, at the same time, was well educated, 
brave, and of good address. Such a one, you must be 
aware, was hard to find; but at length his emissaries brought 
him intelligence of you, and he at once set about finding 
you. To you, then, he intends to intrust the business, 
and a party of some twenty eunuchs, besides a number of 
his trusty slaves, are also to accompany you.” 

Whose loss would create no noise!’' thoughtfully mur- 
mured Noureddin to himself, as his companion ceased 
speaking. “ Then he does indeed meditate my speedy ex- 
it from earth.” 

Your fears are well-grounded, my young master.” 

My fears, say you? The God of my fathers alone I fear 
— not man.” 

The eunuch gazed with a sort of wondering admiration 
upon the noble features of the young man, and at length 
said: 

Perhaps there is no occasion for fear, for you may 
easily escape the danger which threatens you. Of one thing 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


27 


I am certain; you will be safe with your retinue until after 
the message is delivered at Khaibar; but there is reason to 
believe that on the way home some of the slaves are instructed 
to murder you. You now know all, and you can govern 
yourself as seems best to you. But I advise you to accept 
the trust from the king without hesitation.” 

‘^Do you accompany the embassy?” asked Noureddin. 

Yes,’^ replied the eunuch. 

And what is your name?” 

‘‘ I am called Molech. I am an Egyptian by birth, and 
was brought hither by Merolboth, four years before his 
death. I have since served Modad.” 

‘^How learned you this of which you have told me, 
and why do you betray your master?” asked the youth, 
as he cast a searching glance into the face of his compan- 
ion. 

There is no need that you should know how I obtained 
my information,” answered the Egyptian, without hesitation; 

but I will tell you why I betray the king. Abdah Nazor has 
often befriended me, and once he saved my life. He asked 
of me that I would protect thee as far as lay in my power, 
but why, as I have already told thee, I know not; neither 
do I know how the old dervise ever supposed that you 
would be in danger from the king.” 

There was something in the manner of the eunuch that 
convinced Noureddin of the truth of what he had heard, 
and for several moments he remained in deep meditation. 
He told the Egyptian that he might depend upon his 
secrecy, and also that he should accept the office, and 
with a noiseless, cautious tread, the black left the apart- 
ment. 

Noureddin retired to his bed, but it was a long time ere 
he slept. He pondered upon what he had heard, and his 
heart beat quicker as he thought of the indignity that was 
about to be cast upon the city, but he could frame no 


28 


THE KINO'S TALISMAN. 


plan of procedure — circumstances alone, as they might oc- 
cur, could guide him. 

CHAPTER IV. 

THE FAIR SELINA AND HER FATHER. 

The sun had not yet peeped over the rocky environs of 
Petra, when Houreddin was aroused from a deep reverie in- 
to which he had fallen, by the unceremonious entrance of 
two eunuchs, who informed him that the king awaited his 
presence. The youth had already performed his morning 
ablutions, and he immediately followed the messenger from 
the apartment. The king received him in the same room 
as before, and as the youth entered, there was a troubled look 
upon the monarches brow. 

“You are up betimes, remarked Modad, as the young 
man made his obeisance. 

“ Little sleep suffices me, your majesty, replied Houred- 
din. 

The king drew his hand nervously across his brow, as the 
youth^s voice fell upon his ear, and with an anxious look, 
he gazed into the young man’s features. Noureddin noticed 
his monarch’s manner, and though he was surprised at it, 
yet he betrayed not his feelings, but with a firm, steady 
gaze he awaited his instructions. 

The eunuchs were dismissed, and with the exception of 
the two mutes, the king and his subject were left alone. 

“ Do you know the intricacies of the mountain path to 
the eastward?” asked the king. 

“ Yes,” returned Noureddin. 

“ Then your services will be invaluable in the business I 
have in hand.” 

Modad then went on and explained to the young man the 
duty that was required of him. The account was the same 
in its aspects as that of the Egyptian eunuch, but from the 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


29 


king’s lips the affair bore an entirely different coloring of 
detail, it being made to appear that the gold and jewels 
were for the payment of a debt of long standing, and that 
the maiden, who was to go under his protection, was the 
affianced bride of the Khaibarite king. 

Yet,” said Noureddin, as the king closed, I see not 
why some of your experienced officers might not perform 
this mission much better than myself.” 

I have no officer whom I can trust, that is at all ac- 
quainted with the mountain passes, and I dare not send the 
equipment over the desert. I have heard of your dexterity 
and address, and if you perform this mission satisfactorily, 
you shall receive a high station as your reward, for I de- 
sire to gather around me all the most deserving of my sub- 
jects.” 

The king half averted his face from the steady gaze of his 
young auditor during the latter part of his remark, and 
Noureddin instantly saw the cowardly disposition with 
which he had to deal. 

He was more than ever confirmed in the belief of the 
eunuch’s statement, and he knew, also, that there was no 
use ill questioning Modad further, for the monarch could 
give no clear reason for this extraordinary choice of an am- 
bassador, and our hero had no desire to excite his suspicions 
as to his own designs and feelings. 

The king placed in Noureddin’s hand the letters that 
were to be delivered to the neighboring monarch, and as the 
young man placed them within the folds of his shirt, Modad 
said: 

believe you have now your full instructions. I desire 
that you will keep along the western pass of the Hedjaz, 
and follow the foot of the mountain as far as possible, which 
I suppose may be kept until within a few leagues of Khai- 
bar. The maiden whom you are to protect is of a timid 
nature, and she desires that she may see no one but her at- 


THE KINHS TALI8MAH. 


tendants, so, of course, you will not intrude upon her 
privacy. She will be under the immediate attendance of 
ten of my most trusty eunuchs, and. you will not interfere 
with their guardianship. Your retinue is already drawn up 
outside of the city, and two of my slaves who are to accom- 
pany you will direct you to the spot.” 

A slight curl of disdain rested upon the lips of the youth 
as the king ceased, speaking, for the whole plan was so glar- 
ingly inconsistent with the nature of the professed embassy, 
that Noureddin could not help seeing it. Frequently did 
the king have occasion to send off a retinue of slaves on 
various errands, of the nature of which the people were 
ignorant; but it was something unheard-of for such a busi- 
ness as the present to be left in the hands of menials. A 
curious equipment, thought Noureddin, for the negotiation 
of peace between two kingdoms! He kept his counsel to 
himself, however, and readily followed the two attendants 
who had been summoned to conduct him away, but before 
he went, he failed not to notice the fiend-like exultation 
that dwelt upon the king’s countenance. 

While Noureddin followed his conductors out of the city, 
let us look at the dwelling of Al-Bassa, the king’s counselor. 
In a sumptuous apartment, hung with crimson drapery, 
and ornamented by elaborately polished mirrors, reclined 
the form of a fair and beautiful maiden, while by her side 
stood an old man, down whose furrowed cheeks the traces 
of tears were still visible. About the countenance of Al- 
Bassa there was nothing that could indicate the harsh or 
unfeeling man, but there was a sort of timidity — a kind of 
womanish fear, that ill accorded with his reputed wisdom. 
People often wondered that so timid a man should be re- 
tained as the king’s counselor, but they knew not how his 
very timidity made him the more acceptable tool in the 
hands of Modad. 

Selina raised her eyes to her father’s face, and cast upon 


THE KING'S 1.ALI8MAN. 


31 


him such an agonizing, imploring look, that he turned away 
to hide his emotions. She was beautiful, transcendently 
beautiful — her eyes were large, soft, and lustrous, her fea- 
tures almost heavenly in their expression, and her form like 
the airy gazelle in its graceful turnings; but, alas! her 
beauty had been the cause of the first sorrow that dimmed 
the bright sunshine of her joyous youth. Boljaz, king of 
Khaibar, had seen her, and in his heart he had determined 
to possess her. Already had he cause of otfense against 
Modad, and as soon as he became aware of that king’s char- 
acter, he had threatened a war against Petra, and the reader 
is aware how Modad had arranged to compromise. 

Oh, would that the sun had blighted me at my birth, 
ere I should have come to this!” murmured the fair girl, as 
she pressed her hands against her throbbing temples. 

Be calm, my daughter,” urged the old man, while he 
struggled hard to keep down the feelings of the parent. 
^‘Boljaz will surely love you, and treat you with all kind- 
ness.” 

And I to be his slave!” bitterly cried Selina, gazing up 
into her father’s face — his boughten slave — his mere bau- 
ble, to pander to his appetite for the time, and then be cast 
off like a beast! Oh, God! what misery has fate kept in store 
for me!” 

Al-Bassa laid his trembling hand upon his daughter’s 
head, and brushing away the tears that started forth from 
his aged eyes, he said: 

Remember, my child, you save your father’s life.” 

^^But why, why — tell me why this is required?” ex- 
claimed Selina, forgetting for the moment her deep anguish, 
in the eagerness to learn the cause of such strange pro- 
cedure. I freely give myself to save my father, but how 
can the king have your life in his hands?” 

Ah, my child, you know little of Modad’s power and 
disposition. At the present moment he feels that his very 


32 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


kingdom is at stake, and you alone can save it. To me he 
looks for the gift of propitiation, and he holds my life as 
the forfeit.’^ 

For a moment, the crimson tide rushed up into the face 
of the fair girl, and, rising from her seat, she said, while a 
look of utter contempt flashed from her eyes: 

Would that God had made me king of Petra — no das- 
tard neighboring monarch should have dared to cast such 
contempt upon me and my people. 

Al-Bassa gazed upon his daughter with a sort of wonder- 
ing admiration. His soul was in agony at the sacrifice he 
was about to make, and he would readily have given the 
last mite of his earthly possessions to have averted the blow, 
but he dared not give his life, nor did he dare to rebel 
against the cowardly wickedness of his king. 

^^Come, my child,'' at length said the old man, while he 
trembled at every joint, time flies swiftly away, and the 
hour is already at hand when you must depart." 

Again Selina sank upon the couch and buried her face in 
her hands; but it was now in vain that she tried to weep. 
The deep, burning grief that scorched and seared her 
soul burned at the fountain of her tears, and from her 
almost broken heart nothing came forth but rending sobs. 
The remorseless gates of a worse than Tartan prison had 
been thrown open before her, and to its soul-searing flames 
had she been consigned. She could have looked upon the 
cold and flinty prison-house as a paradise when compared 
with the fate that now awaited her; but she knew that her 
father's life was at stake, and with all her power she tried 
to command her native fortitude to her support. But, alas! 
her woman's heart shrank from the fearful sacrifice, as the 
timid child would quail before the gloomy, ghost-peopled 
forest, and with her brow, her face, her neck, and her 
bosom all changed to marble, she arose from her couch and 
bade her father lead the way. 


THE KINHS TALISMAH. 


S3 

The old man trembled fearfully, and started back in 
agony as he beheld the change that had come over his 
daughter’s features. His father’s heart bade him be a man, 
but fear made him turn away his head; and bowing beneath 
the blow he dared not resent, he led forth the gentle being 
who had been the joy and blessing of his home, the bright 
sunlight of his joys and sorrows, like an unresisting 
lamb to the sacrifice! 


34 


TJSE mm' 8 TALISMAl^. 


CHAPTER V. 

THE UNEXPECTED INTRUDER. 

Modad had seen his messenger depart for the court of 
Khaibar, and in view of his success thus far, he tried to 
quell the turbulent feelings of his bosom, but there was a 
certain misgiving that he could not banish from him. He 
had moved not from the couch upon which he reclined 
when Noureddin received his instructions, and a kind of 
moody reverie seemed to engross his senses. The two mutes 
stood like statues by his either side, save that occasionally 
they would cast a sidelong, fugitive glance at their master, 
as if to see what was moving in his mind, for so long had 
these speechless attendants been watchful of the least beck 
of the monarch, that they seldom failed to read his inmost 
thoughts. They were powerful fellows, and Modad seldom 
felt fear of immediate personal danger while they were near 
him. 

Darker grew the cloud upon the king’s brow, and more 
evident became the workings of his internal doubts and fears. 
At length he arose from his couch and began to pace to and 
fro across the mosaic pavement of his apartment. The 
mutes drew back to the heavy drapery of the wall, and 
trembling they watched the every motion of their sovereign, 
for they feared to miss the first nod that he might make for 
their services. 

A dozen times had the king crossed the apartment, when 
the deep festoons at the entrance were thrown aside, and a 
eunuch bowed low before him. 

^^How now, slave?” cried Modad as he recovered from 
the first shock which the sound of footsteps had struck 
upon his guilt-strung nerves. 


THE HINGES TALISMAN-. 


35 


Al-Bassa asks to be admitted to your majesty’s 
presence.” 

Then let him approach,” replied the king, while a 
slight curl of the lip told in what esteem he held his coun- 
selor. 

give thee a fair day,” uttered Al-Bassa, as he entered 
his sovereign’s presence; but the deep misery that dwelt 
upon his countenance plainly showed that mere habit begat 
the expression. 

You look sorrowful, my trusty friend,” said Modad, as 
he once more reclined upon his couch, and cast an in- 
quisitive glance upon his counselor. 

I have suffered enough to make any man sorrowful,” 
replied Al-Bassa, vainly endeavoring to hide his emotions. 
^‘This day have I plucked out the apple of my eye and 
thrown it to the four winds — the bright star that for years 
has lighted my feet in the path of peace and joy, has left 
its.orbit forever, and my house is no longer my home. My 
feet tread upon sharp pointed rocks, and the sting of re- 
morse has pierced my soul. The deep dwellings of the dead, 
high up in the mighty caverns of the rock, should be now 
my abode, and the scorching sands of the driving simoon 
should be my only food.” 

For a moment the king seemed to feel for the deep suf- 
ferings of his counselor, but the emotion soon passed away, 
and a frown settled upon his brow. Al-Bassa saw that 
frown, and throwing off the melancholy that sought for ut- 
terance, he cried: 

But let my sufferings pass. My sacrifice has saved my 
king and ” 

Yourself,” added Modad, at the same time casting a 
meaning glance upon the old man. 

Al-Bassa started as the simple word of the king grated 
upon his ear, but quickly regaining himself, he continued: 

Perhaps you speak the truth; but at all events, the 


36 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


sacrifice has been made — I have delivered np my beloved 
child — and you — you have paid out from the city^s treasury 
money and jewels enough to have reared an imperial throne 
in the midst of the desert. But we are not yet safe. If the 
people should know that their monarch had feared to meet 
his enemy 

Feared interrupted Modad, while the frown upon his 
brow grew darker. 

know that your majesty had cause for that fear/’ 
timidly explained Al-Bassa, as he quailed before the look of 
Modad; -^but surely you would not dare to explain that 
cause to the people?” . 

^MVhat need will there be of that? I surely would not 
have my subjects know that the King’s Talisman is lo'st to 
the city, nor do I intend that they shall. You and myself 
are the only two who know of the fact.” 

A quick shadow flitted across the face of Al-Bassa as 
the king spoke, but the emotion that had called it forth 
was quickly quelled, and in a slightly tremulous tone he 
said : 

There may be tattlers among those whom you have sent 
to Khaibar.” 

None that I am ignorant of,” rather drily returned the 
king. 

^"And this youth to whom you have given the business — 
how know you that he may not tell of the nature of his em- 
bassy?” 

^^He cannot.” 

Cannot?” 

^^No.” 

‘a do not comprehend,” said Al-Bassa, who had not yet 
conceived the full purpose of the monarch. 

Do you suppose I have done all this without understand- 
ing the nature of the ground upon which I stand?” returned 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


37 


Modad, while a demoniac look of exultation overspread his 
features. 

An inkling of the truth began to penetrate the old man’s 
mind, and he looked inquiringly at the king for an explana- 
tion. Modad seemed to comprehend the meaning of that 
look, for he soon continued: 

‘^You need have no fear of the fidelity of those whom I 
have sent to Khaibar, for but few of them will ever live to 
return. Ten of my Nubian eunuchs, to whom I would 
trust my own life, will bear me tidings of the success of 
the mission. - The rest will never live to re-cross the desert! 
The Nubians have steel and poison, and they well know 
their use!” 

A cold shudder ran through the frame of Al-Bassa, as he 
comprehended the bloody scheme of the king, nor could he 
hide his disgust and disapprobation. 

"‘’Tis bloody business,” he murmured, half uncon- 
sciously. 

‘^But not half so bloody as might be the business it pre- 
vents,” returned Modad. But come,” he continued, half 
rising from his seat, you may rest assured that not one 
word of what has happened will ever be known to the peo- 
ple; and now I would have thee go to my treasury and fix 
the new account of our gold and jewels. Your ingenuity 
will suggest the statements that are necessary.” 

Al-Bassa bowed low in token of acquiescence, and soon 
withdrew from the monarch’s presence; and Modad, when 
he saw his officer depart, knew that the bands were already 
loosened which had bound the old man to his interest, but 
his principal aim had been accomplished, and he tried to per 
suade himself that he could now get along without his coun- 
selor’s assistance. 

Modad still reclined upon his couch after Al-Bassa had 
left. It wanted a good hour yet of the time at which he 
gave audience to the citizens, and he was upon the point of 


38 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


seeking his gardens, when the purple arras was once more 
drawn aside, but instead of the eunuch who guarded the 
entrance to the apartment, the aged form of Abdah Nazor, 
alone, unattended and unannounced, stood revealed in the 
king^s presence. Modad sprang half up from his couch, 
hut an instant’s reflection told him that he had nothing to 
fear from a decrepit old man, and his first emotions of sud- 
den alarm gave place to a kind of haughty anger. 

“ How now, thou prating babbler?’^ cried the king, as he 
looked fiercely upon the intruder. ^‘Who conducted thee 
hither?’^ 

‘^A spirit to whom you are a stranger,’^ calmly replied 
the old dervise, looking the angry monarch steadily in the 
eye. 

*'Ha, and do you beard me? Do you come hither with 
your mystic prating ?^^ 

No, false monarch, I come to warn thee of the sure ven- 
geance of the true God,^^ said Abdah Nazor, not at all moved 
by the wrath of the king. 

Modad was made almost speechless by the manner of his 
visitor, and for a moment he remained like one in a spasm, 
but he soon regained his power of utterance, and in a hiss- 
ing, maddened tone, but still tinctured with fear, he ex- 
claimed: 

Soothsayer, beware how you tempt me, for by the word 
of a ruling king I swear Til brook not thy loose tongue. 
Now, what brought thee hither?” 

'"I seek a youth, named Noureddin, the son of Ali 
Kinah.^^ 

A livid spot started forth upon the monarches either 
cheek as he heard that name, and a slight tremor shook 
his frame, but quickly throwing off his outward fear, he 
replied: 

‘"What know I of the youth? If you would learn of 
his whereabouts, seek the depths of that mystic lore from 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


39 


which you profess to derive such wonderful information 
for the ear-tickling of an ignorant, superstitious people.” 

Modad/^ uttered the dervise, in a calm, meaning tone, 
while he fixed his eyes upon the monarch, I have sought 
the mystic lore!’"’ 

And what learned ye?” asked the king, with a vain at_ 
tempt to appear unconcerned, but while, in reality, a deadly 
pallcr overspread his features, for the fame of the old dervise 
of Mount Hor was too extensive, and his general character 
and popularity too well and widely established, to render 
his sayings light or unmeaning. 

Shall I tell thee what I learned?” asked Abdah Nazor. 

Speak — but beware how you speak,” returned the mon- 
arch, fairly shrinking from the two sharp eyes that were 
bent upon him. 

‘‘Then listen, Modad! I learned that thou didst not 
dare to fight the dastard king of Khaibar — that thou didst rob 
an old man of his daughter, and moreover, that thou didst 
even lay hands upon the jewels of Pharaoh^s sacred crown, 
to appease avaricious Boljaz. Nay, speak not, but hear me 
out,” continued Abdah Nazor, as the frightened monarch 
started and gasped for breath. “ The poor youth whom I 
educated thou hast consigned to death — to an ignominious, 
cruel death. Thus much have I learned from my mystic 
lore. Have I learned rightly?” 

During the first part of the old man’s saying, the king 
had writhed like a criminal beneath the rack, but ere it was 
closed his face assumed a fearful expression, and starting 
up from his couch, he exclaimed: 

“ Old man, your knowledge is so correct that thou hadst 
better by far have been ignorant of its purport, for with it 
you go not hence alive!” 

As the monarch spoke, he stepped back to the wall and 
made a sign to the two powerful mutes. That sign they 
had obeyed before, though not often, but they knew its 


40 


TEE KING'S TALISMAN 


fatal import, and quickly drawing their sharp yataghans, 
they started forward. 

Abdah Nazor saw that sign, but he quailed not before the 
advancing mutes; and they, even^ who had never before 
hesitated to obey the nod of their cruel master, stopped 
short as they met the glance of that old man. But again 
they caught the sign of command from the king, and with 
a sort of hissing noise they sprang forward. The old der- 
vise raised one hand high above his head, while with the 
other he drew from his bosom a bright-skinned serpent, 
which he cast upon the pavement before him. The veno- 
mous reptile reared aloft its broad, flattened head, and like 
two sparks of intense flame gleamed its eyes upon those who 
advanced. 

A quick cry, like the screaming of some frightened bird, 
escaped from the lips of the mutes, and shaking like storm- 
riven reeds at every joint, they shrank back by the side of 
their king. In vain was it that the enraged monarch ges- 
ticulated and commanded, but he could not persuade the 
terrified menials to stir from their retreat. In the gleaming 
coils of that folded serpent their untutored souls recognized 
the fell spirit of evil, and they would ’have bared their 
breasts to the deadly steel ere they would have advanced 
one step upon the precincts of the old man’s guardian. 

Modad had depended upon the mute slaves, and dreamed 
not that they could fail him, but in his own heart he had 
not the courage to face that weak old man, and, he too, 
cowered away from the strange scene before him. Abdah 
Nazor stretched forth his hand. The serpent laid his neck 
over his wrist, and with a sudden bound he wound himself 
around the old man’s arm. 

King,” said the dervise, as he turned to depart, for the 
present your secret is safe with me, but beware how you 
trifle further with the trust that your subjects have reposed 
in you.” 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


41 


Modad started half madly and half wildly from his place, 
hut the dervise had gone. He would have followed him, 
but he dared not. He would have called upon his attend- 
ant eunuchs, but he would not trust them with a knowl- 
edge of his then present state of mind, for his ten Nubians 
— his most trustworthy slaves — had gone. Only the two 
poor mutes had been witnesses of the scene, and their 
tongues were tied in eternal silence. Modad gazed for a 
moment vacantly upon the arras where the old man had 
disappeared, and then sinking back upon his couch, he 
sought to gather his half scattered senses, while the terri- 
fied slaves stood trembling by his side. 


42 


THE KING'S TALISMAN 


CHAPTER VI. 

. THE ATTACK AND THE BATTLE. 

When Houreddin left the presence of the king, the two 
eunuchs led him, by a short and unfrequented route, out of 
the city. At the outer extremity of the pass a servant was 
in waiting with three horses, one of which was most richly 
caparisoned, and which was presented to the youth, while 
the eunuchs mounted the others and rode on, to the south- 
ward and eastward, a distance of two miles, where our hero 
found most of his retinue drawn up. He was not long in 
espying Molech among the black eunuchs, and a feeling of 
comparative relief possessed him as he felt that he had one 
companion, at least, upon whom he could depend; but at a 
sign from the Egyptian the youth approached him not, nor 
did he betray any token of having particularly recognized 
him. 

Most of the attendants were mounted upon horses, only 
those who had charge of the camels being \nthout them, 
and they now only awaited the arrival of the ten Nubians 
with the maiden. At length the equipment of the fair 
Selina hove in sight, and instinctively the eunuchs prepared 
for the start. Such as were upon the ground leaped into 
their saddles, and those who had charge of the camels 
mounted to their seats. The maiden’s conveyance was a 
close pavilion, formed of the valley cedar, and so com- 
pletely covered with crimson tapestry that no eye could pen- 
etrate beneath it. This pavilion was supported between 
four trained camels, by means of stout leathern bands 
which passed over the animals’ backs, and from thence 
underneath the pavilion. It was sufficiently capacious for 


THE KING'S 2ALI8MAN. 


43 


comfort, and was, in fact, a gaudy affair. The Nubians 
were powerful fellows, mounted on coal black steeds, and 
five of them rode on each side of the maiden^s conveyance. 
As Noureddin saw these ten slaves, and marked their coun- 
tenances, he could not help feeling a sort of instinctive 
dread creeping over him. It was not fear, for he felt as- 
sured of his own superiority, but it was the same feeling as 
that experienced by the brave man in beholding the slimy 
form of the subtle asp. Openly he spurns it, but he can- 
not repress a shudder when he thinks of the deadly poison 
it may impart unawares. 

Upon the countenances of the Nubians, Noureddin could 
easily read the instinctive ferocity of their natures, and in 
their moody, sullen manner, he could easily recognize the 
ready tools of a pampering master. When, at length, the 
cortege started on its way, the youth knew that if the danger 
which the Egyptian had predicted was to be apprehended, 
he might look for it from the Nubians, for in the very side- 
long glances which they furtively cast upon him, and in the 
mysterious signs and tokens which passed between them, he 
could read their covert designs. 

Noureddin rode in front of the train, and at a moderate 
trot he wound along through the mountain passes. The 
sun gradually increased its rays, and as the rocks began to 
reflect the burning rays, the miniature caravan moved 
farther out from the mountains into a wild track in which 
the low shrubbery had not for a long time been disturbed. 
Along toward noon the young leader turned back in his 
saddle, and observing that the Egyptian rode near him, he 
beckoned him forward. 

Be careful, sir,’^ said Molech, in a low tone, as he came 
up. The Nubians are watching every motion of the 
train/’ 

Never fear for them, replied Noureddin. If they 
dare to interfere, they may find themselves mistaken in the 


THE HINGES TALISMAN, 


Ai 

nature of the opposition they will have to encounter. But 
I wish to ask you the nature of “my other attendants. I am 
well aware of the character of the Nubians, and I think I 
can read their mission; but wish to know if they are alone 
— if, ill case of trouble, they would receive any assistance 
from the other attendants 

There are only twenty of us, besides the Nubians,^’ re- 
turned Molech, and we all have directions to obey you in 
every particular; and besides, I assure you, that those ten 
men have no love for the rest of us. They are Modad’s par- 
ticular favorites, and toward the other slaves they exercise 
a haughty superiority. But,^’ continued the Egyptian, as 
he cast a furtive glance back of him, ‘^you must not think 
of escape or violence till we arrive at Khaibar, for though 
the Nubians might receive no assistance from the rest, yet 
none would dare to oppose them.^^ 

A peculiar look rested upon the young man^s countenance 
as the Egyptian delivered this caution, but he maJe no an- 
swer. He seemed to have gained the intelligence which he 
sought, and with a slight inclination of the head he 
motioned Molech back into the train. 

The sun had been two hours past the meridian, and the 
train had just emerged from a southward narrow pass 
between two high cliffs, when Noureddin^s eyes fell upon a 
party of horsemen about a mile ahead of him. As near as 
he could judge there were nearly twenty of them, part of 
whom were mounted, while the remainder were on foot 
holding their horses by the bridle. They had no luggage 
of any description, and as he brought them nearer to view, 
he had no hesitation in setting them down as a detachment 
of Bedouins who roamed the desert and mountain tracks in 
quest of plunder; and as he came nearer still his belief was 
confirmed, for the dismounted Bedouins immediately sprang 
into their saddles, and he could easily see that they were 
holding a hurried consultation. 


THE KING'S TALISMAN 


45 


The young leader halted his train, and he found that 
the eunuchs were all aware of the strangers, for they had 
loosened their spears and javelins, and cast off their shields 
from their backs. The horses themselves understood the 
movements, for they braced themselves proudly up and curved 
their graceful necks for the onset. The maiden^s pavilion 
was placed in the rear, with the Nubians still by its side, 
while the remaining followers were drawn up in order of 
defense. Noureddin chose not to move forward, for his 
present position afforded him the best means of safe com- 
bat. On one side arose a towering rock which jutted out 
some rods behind them in a craggy kind of wall, thus 
affording a good depository for the camels and pavilion; 
but beyond this the way was open on all sides. The 
Bedouins understood the nature of this movement, and 
with their spears at rest they dashed madly on toward 
our hero and his band. 

The eunuchs sat firmly in their saddles, and they re- 
ceived the shock without flinching. The king had been 
wise in selecting the men who were to protect the wealth 
he sent, and Noureddin found that his followers were as 
brave as he could desire. At first the Petrans only acted 
on the defensive; but as this could not be carried on with 
safety, Noureddin cried out to his followers to charge their 
enemies, and settling his long spear back into its socket, 
he drew his heavy sword and led on the attack. Two 
of the Bedouins fell beneath his strokes, and he had just 
cleft in twain the spear of a third, when the Egyptian 
cried sharply in his ear: 

See! the Nubians do not fight!^^ 

Noureddin drew back his steed, and an exclamation of 
indignation burst from his lips as he saw the ten stalwart 
Nubians stationed inactively by the side of the pavilion. 
Casting a hasty glance at the enemy to see that they 
were gaining no vantage, he galloped up to the spot where 


46 


THE KING’S TALISMAN. 


the powerful blacks sat upon their horses, and hastily ex- 
claimed: 

Set forward, dastards, to the rescue’/^ 

^^We protect the king’s maiden,” coolly replied the 
Nubian leader, seeming not at all inclined to notice the 
young man’s order. 

will answer with my life for the maiden,” replied 
Noureddin, while his eyes flashed Are. ** Now, on to the 
charge, and our enemies will be overcome ere you strike 
a dozen strokes.” . 

We are at our post, sir,” calmly and half insultingly 
answered the black. 

^‘Will you charge the Bedouins?” cried the youth, rein- 
ing his steed closer up to his hand, while his cheek paled 
with the indignation that raged within him. 

‘^No. We are under the king’s orders.” 

Once more I say, charge! or, by the holy powers of 
heaven, I will cleave you to the earth!” 

The Nubian leader moved not, save that he inclined his 
horse a step back; but a look of impudent deflance rested 
upon his features as he said: 

You dare not.” 

The Young Lion of Mount Hor cast one flashing glance 
around upon the blacks, and then raising himself in his 
stirrups he swung his sword high in the air. Its bright 
blade gleamed an instant in the sunlight, and as it de- 
scended the Nubian’s head fell in halves upon either shoul- 
der — the heavy carcass swayed to and fro for an instant in 
the saddle, and then rolled off upon the sand. 

^‘On! — on!” shouted the aroused lion, as he dashed his 
steed forward, and again raised his sword. ‘^On, or you 
shall fall here!” 

Had Noureddin quailed, or even hesitated, it might have 
proved fatal to him; but there was something in his deter- 
mined manner — a sort of power in his flashing eye, that the 


THE TALISMAH, 


47 


startled blacks were not used to meeting, and then, as their 
eyes fell upon their leader^s cleft skull, they instinctively 
shrank back from the lifted sword, and in a moment more 
they were engaged with the common foe. 

The Bedouins had already begun to give out beneath the 
onset of the first charge; but when the Nubians came on to 
the attack, and Noureddin returned to his post, they fell 
back, wavered for a moment, and then turned their horses^ 
heads and galloped off across the desert. 

Once more the Petran train was in order of travel. Only 
four had fallen in the conflict, and one of those had sunk 
beneath the blade of their commander, while ten of the 
Bedouins had paid for their avarice with their lives. The 
nine remaining Nubians resumed their stations by the side 
of the pavilion, but they wore not the haughty bearing that 
had characterized them before. As their eyes rested upon 
the young lion who had so utterly overcome them, they 
seemed to sink into a sort of trembling fear, and ever and 
anon a hurried whisper of consultation would pass among 
them. Noureddin noticed their movements, and was not 
slow in comprehending the subject of their eager whispers. 

The young man, had he been without a clew to the mys- 
tery of the final destination marked out for him by the 
king, might never have suspected that of which he was now 
confident; but being sure that some of his train were under 
instructions to put him to death as soon as convenient after 
the mission had been performed, he had not the least doubt 
that the Nubians were the appointed murderers, and he also 
felt convinced that their present movements were in some 
way connected with the event; but from their every appear- 
ance he easily saw that the fearful lesson he had given them 
had not been without a salutary effect, and the other 
eunuchs, too, were much influenced by the occurrence. 
They looked upon the young man with wondering express- 
ions of countenance, plainly evincing by their manner that 


48 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


the summary removal of one who was obnoxious to them 
had given intense satisfaction. 

CHAPTER VIL 

SELINA AND HER ATTENDANT. 

The sun sank behind the mountains and left behind it a 
perfectly cloudless sky. A light, breezy vapor arose from 
the mountain base, where the rippling springs gushed forth 
from the rock, and the gentle zephyr wafted it away over 
the spreading desert, leaving, as it swept by, a cooler and 
more grateful temperature in the atmosphere. It did not 
grow dark, for as the luminous nebula that lingered over the 
sands began to lose its soft brilliancy, the lesser lights of 
heaven set themselves upon the night-watch, and like dis- 
tant tapers they twinkled and gleamed in the overarching 
vault. 

The fair Selina, with a single female attendant, reclined 
upon a small couch in her traveling pavilion, from whence 
she had looked out but once during the day, and that was 
during the battle with the Bedouins. She felt the change 
in the atmosphere, and she knew that the sun, with its 
burning heat, had gone. 

Miriam,’^ she said, in soft, melancholy accents, ^^do 
you find it cooler now, than it was?” 

‘'Much cooler,” replied the attendant. “Night has 
fallen around us.” 

“ Then the stars must be shining. Oh, would that I 
might look upon them.” 

“And can you not?” asked Miriam, gazing up with sur- 
prise into her mistress' face. “ Surely they would not re- 
fuse you such a boon.” 

“ Ah, Miriam, they will refuse me everything. To-day, 
when I would have looked forth to take a last view of the 


THE KING’S TALISMAN. 


49 


high walls that shut in my native city, I was rudely bidden 
by the eunuch who had chief guard of my person to look 
not forth again/’ 

“ And is that the manner in which the intended wife of 
a king is treated by slaves uttered the attendant. 

“ /"’ quickly repeated Selina, while a fearful shud- 

der ran through her frame. But she caught the wondering 
expression of her companion, and quickly added: 

Even a binges loife may not be at full liberty among 
slaves. 

Miriam gazed long and earnestly into the face of her 
mistress, and a new idea tried to struggle through her mind; 
but it was so repulsive she could not entertain it. She 
knew that Selina went not willingly as the wife of the Khai- 
barite king — but she could not, she dared not, believe that 
her fate was worse than that; yet she could not comprehend 
the fair maiden’s manner without some such grounds, and 
laying her hand affectionately upon her lady^s arm, and 
raising her eyes in a supplicating manner, she said: 

Selina, you have some grief that you have told me not 
of. Oh, why will you not trust me with all?” 

I dare not,” murmured the unhappy girl, as she bowed 
her head forward, and rested it on the shoulder of her sym- 
pathizing attendant. 

She saw that she had given her secret wings, and as she 
raised her head and met the almost terrified look of her 
faithful servant, she determined to unload her heart, and 
with a bursting, thrilling soul, she poured out the tale of 
her grief. Miriam listened with blank expression, for the 
sensations she experienced during Selina’s recital were so 
deep, so weighty upon her heart, that her feelings arose not 
to her features. But when her mistress closed — when the 
lips that had uttered that horrible tale were still, she threw 
her arms around the neck of the doomed being and burst 
into a passionate flood of tears. This was the first outpour- 


50 


THE HINGES TALISMAH, 


ing of her feelings, but on the next moment she dashed 
the tears from her eyes and started back to consciousness. 

Selina, she said, in a calm, but yet powerful tone, 
while the brilliancy of her dark eyes told of the inten- 
sity of her feelings, ^‘surely you do not mean that this 
shall her 

•^Alas, my Miriam, I cannot help it!^’ 

You can help it,’’ exclaimed the noble-hearted girl. 
^‘How know you that he who leads us on our way may not 
be possessed of a heart?’"’ 

^‘Whoever he may be,’’ returned Selina, '^he has no im- 
mediate control over me. The king’s own Nubian guard — 
those ten eunuchs that do his slightest bidding — have the 
sole guidance of our motions.” 

For a moment Miriam was silent; but at length, while her 
cheek turned a shade paler, and her nether lip trembled with 
a slight convulsion, she said: 

God has left you one way of redemption. In your 
own hands He has placed the key of your virtue and 
purity.” 

Selina gazed inquiringly into her companion’s face. Mir- 
iam read her unspoken question, and her answer, though 
equally as silent, was startlingly significant. 

She placed her hand within her bosom, and from the folds 
of her jacket she drew forth a short dagger, and as its blade 
gleamed in the struggling star-beam that peeped through 
the pavilion, Selina instinctively grasped it. A moment she 
held it in her hand, and then dropping it upon the floor, she 
murmured, hesitatingly: 

^^No, no; that cannot be. A thousand times would I 
prefer it to the fate that awaits me, but my father might 
fall a sacrifice upon the altar of my own salvation.” 

^"No; the king dare not do it. Modad is a villain, but 
God knows he is a greater coward. I tell thee, the base 
monarch will never dare to take your father’s life. No, no, 


THE HINGES TA LIS MAH. 


51 


my mistress; let us wait till the last, but if the worst comes, 
we will die together/’ 

‘‘Hark — hark, Miriam quickly exclaimed Selina. 

At this moment a confusion arose just by the side of the 
pavilion, and bending eagerly forward the two girls listened 
to ascertain, if possible, its cause. 

When the sun had first set, and the stars had begun to 
twinkle in the sky, Noureddin rode at the head of the train; 
but as the cool air swept over the sands and played around 
the rocks, and the filmy curtain of night dropped its folds 
upon the earth, the young man drew in the reins of his 
steed and turned to take a view of the cortege. As he rode 
past them the eunuchs bowed in token of the respect with 
which he had inspired them, and our hero plainly saw that 
in his immediate attendants, at least, he possessed hearts 
that were all his own; bnt when he came to the rear of the 
train, he was not slow in perceiving that the Nubians were 
anything but pleased at his presence. They were not inso- 
lent, however, in their bearing, nor were they inclined to 
watch too narrowly the motions of their young guide, for 
though they loved him not, they feared him. 

Just as Noureddin came opposite to the pavilion, after he 
had turned his horse^s head back toward the train, his quick 
ear caught the sound of deep and heavy sobs within the tap- 
estried conveyance. A fiash of quick determination passed 
over his countenance as he heard that weeping, and his 
heart beat quicker in his bosom. 

“ The lady needs the fresh, invigorating air," observed 
Noureddin, in a calm tone, which utterly hid the feelings 
that moved him. 

The remark was addressed to one of the Nubians, who 
seemed to have been chosen as their leader, but he returned 
no answer, save a sort of sullen glance of resistance. 

The horses of those who had fallen in the combat with 
the Bedouins followed close upon the rear of the train, and 


52 


THE HIHG'S TALISMAH. 


calling one of them to him, Noureddin led him forward to 
the side of the pavilion; but as he approached, the Nubians 
gathered around the entrance, seeming determined to resist 
.any effort of his for the comfort of the fair inmate. 

“ Perhaps the lady would like to take a short ride on 
horseback, for in good truth she must be much fatigued 
by such close confinement,^^ said the youth, in the same 
calm tone. 

For a moment the Nubians gazed upon each other with 
quick, meaning glances, and then he who had been acknowl- 
edged as the leader, answered; 

I know not what authority the king gave you over the 
Egyptian eunuchs, or over the course of the train, but our 
orders in regard to the two ladies were positive.^’ 

Two ladies?’^ iterated Noureddin. 

The lady and her servant, sir.” 

Then they may both have horses.” 

^^It cannot be.” 

“ I said that both of the girls might take an airing in this 
cool breeze if they desired it. I will ask them.” 

The youth spoke in a firm, decided tone, and as he closed, 
advanced toward the pavilion. The Nubians gathered closer 
around the entrance, and they seemed determined that no 
such project should be carried into execution. 

The king’s power sustains me, and his orders must be 
obeyed,” uttered the Nubian leader, as he drew his lance 
and settled back in his saddle. 

^‘The king r cried- Noureddin, with a bitter sneer, as his 
heavy sword flew from its scabbard. He was now fairly 
aroused, and turning his flashing eye around, he continued: 

‘‘Back! — back, I say! I tell thee, slaves, that my power 
upon the mountain track is mightier than the king’s, and 
my vengeance is sure. You have seen the fate of him who 
dared this day to oppose me, and you had better beware 
how you tempt the same fate!” 


THE KING'S TALISMAN, 


53 


The Nubians were powerful men, and they were by nature 
brave; but they were slaves ! For years they had moved at 
the will of an imperative master, and they had learned to 
bow instinctively before superior authority. Their govern- 
ing motive was fear; they met danger in a thousand shapes 
through fear of greater danger from the wrath of a master, 
and he who could gain the control of the slavish fears might 
conquer them. Thus it was with Noureddin. His bold 
usurpation of authority, and his open avowal of a power 
greater than the king’s, and above all, the determined, 
dreadful punishment he had already dealt out lo one of 
their number, touched the chord that reached their govern- 
ing principles, and as he once more turned his flashing eyes 
upon them they cowed beneath the look, and backed their 
horses from the pavilion. 

Noureddin drew aside the heavy tapestry, and gazing in 
upon the inmates, he said: 

‘^Fair ladies, the night is cool and pleasant; the stars 
light our path, and the gentle zephyr plays around our way. 
AVe have horses to spare, and if a short ride would please 
you, the privilege is yours.” 

Selina and her attendant had been listening to the conver- 
sation without, and they had heard the bold language of 
their youthful conductor. A grateful, hopeful emotion had 
sprung up in the bosom of the fair girl, and when Noured- 
din addressed her, and his mild, kind tone went thrilling 
through her nerves, she could not suppress the cry of de- 
lightful relief that arose to her lips. In an instant the say- 
ing of Miriam came back to her mind, and she felt that her 
conductor had not only a heart, but that he also had a 
power even the Nubians dared not gainsay. 

Oh, kind sir!” she uttered, as soon as she could com- 
mand her speech, ^Mf I could but receive one short re- 
spite from this narrow confinement, I should be very grate- 
ful.” 


54 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


Noiireddin turned to one of the Nubians and bade him 
bring forward another of the horses that were following 
them. The black may have hesitated for a moment, but no 
more, for he quickly turned his horse^s head and soon re- 
turned with the steed. 

The drivers stopped the camels, and leaping from his sad- 
dle, Noureddin handed Selina and her attendant from the 
pavilion, and assisted them to their saddles. Then mount- 
ing his own horse, he bade the train move onward. 

“ Come, lady,^^ he said, as he turned his gaze upon the 
fair maiden; let us ride on to the front of the train. Your 
Nubian guard will protect the pavilion, while I, for the 
time, take charge of its jewels.” 

Beneath the dim starlight, Noureddin could see the rich 
blood mounting to the cheeks of the fair being, and as he 
gazed upon her beauty, made doubly thrilling by the grate- 
ful look that beamed from her eyes, emotions which had 
never before moved him entered into his soul. His nerves 
waxed stronger than ever; his heart beat more quickly, and 
yet more firmly, and in his bosom the lion had slumbered 
but to gain a tenfold strength when again aroused by those 
who would crush the gentle flower that was blooming by his 
side. 

Upon the Nubians he had hardly bestowed another 
thought, but leading the way on past the Egyptian eunuchs, 
he soon resumed his station at the head of the train, while 
the Lady Selina and her attendant rode by his side. The 
young man gazed with a new-found rapture upon the fair 
girl, and she, as her eyes rested upon the noble features of 
her new protector and friend, could not but feel that they 
belonged to one who would assist her if he had the power; 
and she even allowed a gleam of hope to light up her soul 
for an instant, as the half-drawn picture flitted before her 
mind. But, alas! that gleam of hope found no surface 
upon which to reflect its light; and as she looked forward 


THE KING^S TALISMAN. 


55 


to the horrible future that awaited her, she turned away her 
head and v/ept. 

Noureddiii saw those tears, and he saw the heaving of 
that fair bosom, but he could frame no words of comfort 
for immediate utterance, though he knew full well whence 
came that grief. At the end of an hour the party reached 
a small oasis, where a gentle spring bubbled up at the foot 
of a huge rock, and while Selina sought her pavilion, the 
young man disposed his party for the night. 

Long after the fatigued eunuchs had fallen asleep, save 
those who had kept watch over the camels, did Noureddin 
pace to and fro upon the edge of the oasis. Half uttered sen- 
tences fell from his lips, and ever and anon he would stop, as 
though some startling thought had entered his mind. The 
sentinels watched his strange movements, but they dreamed 
not of the purpose that was growing up to life beneath his 
meditations. 

Selina had sought the repose of her couch, but sleep came 
not to her eyelids. Her mind was busy with the events of 
the past, while the gaunt specter of the future sat like an 
incubus upon her soul. 




56 


THE KING'S TALISMAN, 


CHAPTER VIII. 

THE SPY. — A TIMELY WARNING. 

Before the sun had rolled up from its mountain bed, the 
Petran train was once- more in motion, and during the fore- 
noon it kept on its way unmolested. At noon Noureddin 
halted for a short rest, and then put forward again. An- 
other sun had rolled its scorching, burning way over the 
the earth, and another evening had followed with its cool- 
ing breath. Twice during the day had the youth looked in 
upon the fair Selina, and now that he had seen her beauty 
by the broad light of day he was more than ever enrap- 
tured by its entrancing power. 

Few, indeed, there are, who can gaze upon the transcen- 
dent loveliness of the virtuous female without a feeling of ad- 
miration; but when that and virtue are being crushed be- 
neath the despot’s heel — when that beauty is softened by 
tears, and the soft eye grows still softer in its melancholy light, 
then it is that the noble, bounding heart of youth swells 
with sympathy and kindness, and the soul of humanity 
grows strong for the defense. Then it is that that subtle 
power may take possession of the soul, and mold and fash- 
ion its destinies forever afterward. 

Once more Noureddin sought the side of the pavilion, 
and ordered one of the Nubians to lead forward the two 
horses. The blacks offered no resistance now, but as though 
they had been brought up beneath the sway of the youth 
did they move at his will. Yet there was a look in their 
quickly moving eyes — a sort of snake-like expression, that 
betokened a feeling they did not choose to express. They 
were like whipped curs — they obeyed, but they did it upon 


THE KING'S TALISMAN, 


57 


compulsion, and the lurking demon in their eyes only 
slumbered for the time being. 

As the fair girl now rode by Noureddin^s side, they both 
felt more free and unconstrained than they had on the pre- 
ceding evening. The one felt happy in affording moment- 
ary pleasure to his companion, and the other felt grateful 
for a noble kindness. A kind of mutual confidence had 
sprung up within the genial warmth of their hearts, and as 
they now gazed upon each other, both seemed for the mo- 
ment to forget the past, with its varied scenes. 

‘‘ Lady,^' said Noureddin, as he drew his horse nearer to 
the side of his companion, would you dare to trust me with 
the full secret of your present position?’^ 

Selina started in her saddle, and the reins trembled in her 
hand as she met the strange look that beamed from the 
young man's eyes. The stars alone twinkled above them, 
but they gave light enough to reveal the youth's meaning 
expression. The maiden spoke not, and Noureddin con- 
tinued: 

“ Fear not to trust me." 

Oh, sir, I do not fear to trust one like you; you have 
been too kind already;” cried the grateful girl, as she turned 
her tearful eyes toward her companion. 

I have a reason for asking you," Noureddin said, mark- 
ing with pleasure the peculiar tone of his companion’s an- 
swer. 

There was something in the young man's manner, in his 
tone and bearing, that inspired the maiden with a vague 
idea of some approaching aid, and while her hand grew 
steadier in its rein-hold, she replied : 

You must already be aware, kind sir, that my present 
destination is a source of the deepest misery to myself, and 
of course much against my desires," 

^^Then why h^v§ you Qomer 


58 


THE KING'S TALISMAN 


^^Alas! I could not help it. The safety of my father is 
to be the price of my sacrifice. 

’Tis hard for me to comprehend the nature of the man 
who could thus consign his child to utter 

Noureddin did not finish the sentence, for at that moment 
he caught the glance* of his companion fixed upon him with 
such an imploring look, that he would not pain her by the 
remark he was about to make; but without appearing to 
notice the effect his language had had, he immediately 
said : 

But tell me, fair lady, how is it that your present posi- 
tion affects your father’s safety?” 

The king,” she said, after a moment’s hesitation, has 
demanded me of my father.” 

‘•And has the king threatened him in case of a refusal?” 

The fiery fiash that shot forth from Noureddin’s eyes as 
he asked this question, made Selina start. 

^‘He has threatened,” she at length replied, ^‘and even 
with death.” 

^‘Unless you married the Khaibarite king,” added the 
young man. 

^‘Married!” cried the fair girl, starting as though some 
hidden serpent had darted its head in her way. Married! 
Oh, God! would that it were so.” 

But still,” continued Noureddin, striving hard to sus- 
tain a calmness he did not feel, ^^you would not desire even 
to marry Boljaz?” 

Not a shade in the countenance of the young man be- 
trayed the emotions of his soul, but when he met the look 
which Selina cast upon him — a look made up of the most 
intense anxiety and prayerful inquiry, he melted from his 
assumed mood, and stretching forth his hand until it rested 
upon his companion’s arm, he said, in a firm, meaning 
tone: 

(‘Fajr Selina, I knQ^v full well tUe fate which is designed 


THE KING'S TALISMAN 


59 


for you. I received the information through a private 
source ere I received my charge from the king, but until 
the present moment I could hardly realize its truth. Now 
I tell thee, as sure as there is the one true God who reigns 
in heaven, you shall not go to your destruction 

The lightning may leap through its track in the heavens, 
but it leaps not more quickly than did the thrill that 
bounded through the frame of Selina as these words fell 
upon her ear. She met the calm look of her companion, 
and she saw, as the starlight revealed its lineaments, that 
no idle, meaningless thoughts were imaged there. Beneath 
that calmness she could see a will which could only die in 
the grave of him who conceived it; and while she yet gazed 
upon his face, she murmured, half unconscious of what she 
said: 

Shall not go! Oh, who — who can help me?” 

He whom the king has hired to carry thee thither,” re- 
plied Noureddin, as he turned his head to see that he was 
not overheard from behind. Modad little knew his am- 
bassador, when he engaged me. No, lady, you shall not go 
to Khaibar.” 

For some time Selina dwelt in silence upon the strange 
words of her companion. She was almost afraid to com- 
prehend their full meaning, lest the hope which they 
pointed out should be dashed down again; but still she 
could not fail to understand that the young man intended 
her release, and as soon as the idea became clearly defined 
in her mind, she said: 

Oh, sir, if you could save me from this dreadful fate, 
and not doom my father to his death, I know your own kind 
heart would reward you, but I would not sacrifice my parent 
to the king’s wrath, even to save myself.” 

^'Fearnotfor your father,” returned Noureddin; ^^for 
the king dares not put his threat into execution, Modad 


60 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


has not the courage to do the deed. He may threaten, hut 
that is all.” 

Ah, kind sir,” replied Selina, with a mournful tone, 
you know not what a coward can do in secret. His mutes 
never tell tales.” 

That may be true,” Noureddin said; mutes may not 
tell tales, but the saying that ‘dead men tell no tales ^ is 
false, for they do sometimes tell most fearful tales. But let 
me assure you that harm shall not come to your father — my 
own life shall be the forfeit ere he dies.” 

“Yet there is another obstacle, one I fear insurmount- 
able,” returned Selina, seeming by her manner to accept 
her companion's assurance. 

“ What is that?” 

“ The Nubian eunuchs.” 

“I have studied my plans,” said the young man, in a 
confident manner, “ and I can judge pretty nearly upon 
what to depend. I have watched the Nubians, and I think 
I know all of their mission. But we must let the matter 
rest now,” continued Noureddin, “ for here is our resting- 
place for the night. Let me hope that you will rest to-night 
with the assurance of a happier time to come, for I can 
warrant you a brighter sun is yet to rise.” 

Selina raised her eyes to her companion's face. They 
were filled with tears, but through the flow the heart poured 
forth a flood of thankfulness that could not be mistaken. 
Shortly afterward she called Miriam to her side and sought 
the shelter of the pavilion, while the retinue halted at the 
oasis and disposed themselves for the night. 

Though the Nubians laid themselves down to rest, yet for 
a long time they kept up a low but earnest conversation, 
and calling Molech quietly to his side Noureddin bade him 
crouch as near as practicable to the pavilion guard and as- 
certain, if possible, the subject of their consultation. The 
young man felt no hesitation in trusting the Egyptian, for 


THE KIN&S TALISMAN. 


61 


he knew him to he true to his interest, and as soon as the 
friendly eunuch had gone, he sat down by the side of his 
horse to await his messenger's return. 

For fully half an hour had Noureddin sat thus, when he 
w^as aroused from a half dreamy slumber into which he had 
fallen, by the weight of a hand on his shoulder, and spring- 
ing suddenly to his feet he beheld the Egyptian. 

— st!^^ uttered the eunuch, as he cast his eyes fearfully 
around. Make no movement. Lay down by the side of 
your horse while I kneel by the side of my own.^’ 

Noureddin obeyed without a question, for he saw by the 
manner of Molech that something startling had occurred. 
His own horse lay so as to hide him from the view of the 
Nubians, while that of the Egyptian was next to him. 

Now,’^ said the young man, in a low, cautious tone, as 
soon as he had arranged himself as requested, what have 
you heard 

I have heard the whole plan with regard to yourself 
and us. The king has laid his plans deeply. He intends 
that only his Nubians shall ever return to Petra alive.'' 

'^Hid you hear this from the lips of the Nubians?" 

Yes, sir — within the last half hour. I obtained a most 
fortunate location for overhearing, nor had they suspicions 
that an eavesdropper was so near. They have instructions 
from the king to murder us all as soon as we get fairly on 
our way from Khaibar." 

So I have thought," returned Noureddin, not at all 
startled by the information he had received; and now that 
I have proof of it, my course is clear.'’ 

But the Nubians have now laid out apian for them- 
selves,’' said Molech, as he bent over as near to his leader 
as possible; and then dropping his voice still lower, he con- 
tinued: 

^‘They intend to poison you ere we reach Khaibar." 


62 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


Me!^^ uttered Noureddin, almost thrown from his guard 
by the suddenness of his feelings. 

Yes/^ answered the Egyptian. They have overheard 
a conversation between the lady and her attendant, from 
which they apprehend that you meditate her release, and as 
they feel assured that their own lives must be the forfeit in 
such a case, they have come to the determination to poison 
you before you carry your plans into execution, and then 
perform the king^s mission themselves.^' 

And this you overheard to-night?’^ 

^‘Yes.^^ 

Then,^^ said Noureddin, my plans must be hastened. 
Sleep you by my side to-night, Molech, and on the morrow, 
ere the sun shall rise, be you up among our own eunuchs. 
You know their dispositions, and can handle them. Tell 
them of all that is meditated against you and themselves, 
but not a word of this last plan. The Nubians will 
naturally think that you are making preparations for the 
start, if you are careful. Meanwhile I will arrange matters 
for action.” 

Molech nodded assent, and stretched himself upon his 
blanket, while Noureddin sank his head back upon his 
horse's neck, and gazed thoughtfully upon the stars that 
sparkled above him. 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


63 


CHAPTER IX. 

A MYSTERIOUS INCIDENT. 

It was after midnight ere Noureddin fell asleep, but even 
then his senses were not entirely locked up in slumber, for 
not a long time had elapsed before he was aware of some one 
about him. He had been careful to lay himself in such a 
position as to be able to command a view of his whole train 
without moving; and as soon as he was assured that his first 
waking suspicions were correct, he slightly loosed his eyelids 
and peeped cautiously out. A stealthy, cat-like tread fell 
upon his ear, and he could plainly distinguish a dusky form 
just bending from the other side of his horse. Not a move- 
ment betrayed his knowledge, but keeping his eyes fixed 
upon his, mysterious visitor, he narrowly watched his 
motions. 

As soon as Noureddin's sight became more inured to the 
darkness, he had no difficulty in making out his neighbor 
to be one of the Nubians, and of course he failed not to com- 
prehend the purpose of the black^s visit. Gradually the 
fellow raised himself over NoureddiiTs horse, and eagerly lis- 
tened, but the young man^s breathing was deep and steady, 
and in a moment more the Nubian reached his hand over 
and began to fumble about the saddle. Once or twice he 
drew his hand back and listened more anxiously; but at 
length, seeming to feel assured that the youth slept soundly, 
he drew forth the water pouch, into which he put some 
kind of powder from a small box which he carried, and 
having placed the pouch carefully back into its place, he 
lowered his head behind the horse and stealthily crept away. 

Noureddin now saw the full scope of his present danger, 


64 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


but he had the game entirely in his own hands, and he 
calmly resigned himself once more to a kind of watchful 
slumber, which was not disturbed until the eunuchs began 
to move about him. 

Molech took it upon himself to fill the water-pouches of 
the Egyptian enunchs, and as Noureddin watched his mo- 
tions he could plainly perceive that he was performing his 
mission. The blacks received Molech^s intelligence with 
startled expressions of countenance, but not a single glance 
toward the Nubians betrayed the knowledge they had 
gained. Eaeh one^s hand dropped significantly upon his 
sword-hilt, and the muscles of the wrist told, in their silent 
language, how much meaning there was in the motion. 

^‘Molech,^^ said Noureddin, shortly after the train was in 
motion, as he beckoned his faithful follower to his side, 
^Miow received your friends the intelligence of the Nubians^ 
plotr 

Just as I supposed, sir; they are prepared to resist to 
the last.’^ 

^^But will they stand by me, and obey my orders?” 

‘^Yes, every man of them.” 

Good,” ejaculated the youth, as he noticed Molech^s 
confident tone. ^^Now, ere another sun shall set, our train 
shall be on its way back to Petra.” 

To Petra!” exclaimed Molech, in astonishment. 

Yes, to Petra.” 

^^But you will not surely throw yourself into the very 
jaws of the king? You will not expose yourself to certain 
death?” 

No,” returned the young man, while a look of confi- 
dent power rested upon his features. I shall expose my- 
self to no more danger by returning than I shall by pro- 
ceeding. In either case my presence on earth will be dan 
gerons to the king, and he will not fail to seek my own life 
as well as yours.” 


THE KING'S TALISMAN, 


65 


But how will you proceed when you arrive at the city?” 
asked the Egyptian. The king will then have you within 
his very clutches.” 

Not so easily as you imagine/^ returned Noureddin. 
^^This business upon which the king has entered has placed 
him in a very critical position, and you may rest assured 
that he will be slow in making a noise about it. My plan 
of operation is not yet wholly marked out, but I tell thee 
that no harm shall come upon your heads. Outside of the 
city there are plenty of secret caves, and among these you 
can abide in safety until you can with equal safety enter the 
city.” 

For some time the Egyptian remained in a silent, 
thoughtful mood, but at length he said: 

You can lead the way — the Egyptians will follow.” 

I thank thee,” exclaimed the youth, as he received the 
assurance; and now fall back among your companions, but 
be you in readiness to obey my least bidding.” 

Shortly after Molech had wheeled back to his station, 
Noureddih turned his horse toward the rear of the train. 
The Nubians cast nervous glances upon him as he rode past 
them, nor did the youth fail to understand their inquisitive 
meaning. The riderless horses still followed, and taking 
one of them by the bridle, the young man led him forward 
to the head of the train, in full view of his followers, when 
he turned in his saddle and ordered a halt. All looked with 
wondering eyes upon the strange movements of their leader, 
but without seeming to notice the inquiring looks that were 
cast toward him, he proceeded to carry out the design he 
had conceived. 

Taking from one of his attendants a leathern bucket, 
which was used for watering the horses, he poured into it the 
contents of his own water-flask which had been fllled at the 
spring where they had stopped for the night, and then held 
it out for the horse which he had just brought up from the 


66 


*rHE KING’S TALISMAN. 


rear. The animal drank off the water almost at a draught, 
and in a moment more Noureddin vaulted into the saddle, 
and motioned the train to start on, still leading the riderless 
horse by the bridle. 

What means this?’’ asked Molech, as he rode up to his 
leader’s side, after the train was once more in motion. 

You will see ere long,” replied Noureddin, still keep- 
ing his eyes fastened upon the motions of the animal he 
led. If I am not mistaken, the time for action is near 
at hand.” 

Ah!” ejaculated the Egyptian, while a ray of intelli- 
gence flashed athwart his features; ^^and. have they begun so 
soon ?” 

We shall see.” 

Hardly had Noureddin spoken when the steed, stopped 
and turned his large eyes around upon the man who led 
him. A quick shudder passed through his heavy frame, 
but he soon became quiet, and at a gentle pull of the bridle 
he started on again. 

Molech saw in an instant what had transpired, and he 
was just upon the point of speaking, when his attention was 
arrested by the approach of one of he Nubians, who had 
loosened his spear from its socket and brought it nearly 
down to its rest. 

Look out!” uttered the Egyptian, in a quick, startled 
tone. Look behind you!” 

Noureddin cast his eyes behind him, and saw, within 
twenty yards, the advancing Nubian, with his clutched 
spear. 

^^How now, slave!” cried the youth. ^^Back on the in- 
stant!” 

The Nubian took no notice of the order, but still he ad- 
vanced. His eyes were not flxed upon the young leader, 
but upon the horse which he led. Noureddin saw this, and 
he at once suspected the fellow’s design to kill the horse ere 


THE KINO'S TALISMAN 


67 


it should fully exhibit the effect of the draught he had 
taken, and drawing his left hand rein quickly in, he brought 
his own steed between the black and the intended victim. 

^^Back to your station, I say!’^ again exclaimed Noured- 
din, while he took the reins of both horses in his left hand, 
and laid his right upon the hilt of his heavy sword. 

The Nubian, however, seemed determined to follow up 
his plan, for a fiercer fire flashed across his dark eye, and he 
grasped his spear with a firmer grip, as he turned his horse's 
head in so as to pass the youth. 

^‘Do you mean to obey me?" asked Noureddin, in that 
quiet, whispering tone which precedes the thunder's burst. 

As Noureddin spoke, the Nubian drew back his spear, 
and drawing his horse by a dextrous movement out from 
the reach of his leader's sword, he prepared to strike the 
fatal blow at the poisoned steed. But he had to deal with 
one as quick as himself. The youth made no movement to 
overtake him, but dropping his sword-hilt into his left hand, 
he whipped the light javelin from its rest at his back, and 
quick as the travel of light he let it fly from his hand. The 
Nubian's lance fell forward with a slight inclination of the 
hand that held it, and as its head struck the sand, the pow- 
erful black grasped the javelin that still quivered in his 
breast, as if to draw it forth, but the muscles relaxed, the 
hand fell powerless, the dark eyes rolled wildly in their 
sockets, and at the next instant the Nubian rolled off 
upon the sand. Noureddin bent over and drew forth the 
javelin from its fatal home, and then turned his attention 
to the poor steed that had been the unwitting cause of what 
had just passed. 

A second spasm, more fearful than the first, now shook 
the horse at every joint, and with a most imploring, be- 
seeching look, he turned his head towards Noureddin. In 
that poor brute's look there was something that thrilled the 
the youth to the very soul, and he felt sorry that he had thus 


THE HINGES TALISMAN. 


consigned him to his death. The suffering animal moaned 
most piteously, while from its mouth and distended nostrils 
a kind of yellowish foam was issuing in small drops, and 
with heaving, spasmodic throes, he endeavored to swell his 
lungs with life-giving air. 

Nearer and nearer drew the wondering Egyptians around 
the dying horse and the dead man. At first they had mar- 
veled at their youthful leader's conduct, but conviction now 
sat like a written scroll on each of their countenances, and 
they trembled as they saw the death agonies of that noble 
steed, for in the present state of the brute they saw what 
had been provided for them. But they trembled only for 
a moment; on the next, they grew stern and cold — their 
swarthy features would have looked almost like iron had 
not the fiery sparkle of their eyes lit them up with a sort of 
premonitory fire. 

The Nubians came not near the spot, but at a distance 
they gazed upon the scene. Eight only were left, and they 
seemed to feel the weight of the hand that had been laid 
upon them, for ever and anon, as their eyes would rest upon 
the young Lion of Mount Hor, a quick, nervous shudder 
might easily be seen in their muscles. 

The horse began to fail fast. The bright fire of the eye was 
waning, and already he began to sway to and fro. Once more 
he reared his head aloft — one violent convulsion shook his 
powerful frame — he started forward with a quick bound, 
then falling back upon his haunches, wdth his feet still 
firmly braced, he trembled in his hold, his feet gradually 
loosened in the sand, his head drooped for an instant, and 
with a sharp, wild neigh, he rolled over upon the hot sand. 

For a full minute all gazed in silence upon the dead 
horse; then Noureddin drew back a few paces, and threw a 
quick glance around upon those who were gathered about 
him. Instinctively the Egyptians shrank from that flash- 
ing eye and knit brow, but they had nothing to fear, and 


THE KlNG^S TALISMAN. 


drawing their reins more tightly in their hands, they awaited 
their leader’s pleasure. 

JSToureddin still held his sword in his hand, and laying its 
blade across his saddle-how, he exclaimed: 

‘^You have all seen from whence came that animaFs 
death. The poison was in my own water-pouch — placed 
there for me! What shall be the doom of those who have 
done it?” 

At first the Egyptians gazed one upon the other in silence, 
but soon Molech gave utterance to a single word. The rest 
caught it up, and with one voice they shouted: 

‘‘Death! Death!” 

The Nubians heard that sound, and well they knew its 
fearful import. Two leaders had they already lost by one 
arm, and now they knew they had not only that arm against 
them, but also all the Egyptians. A hurried consultation, 
a mere word and agreement, passed between them, then 
drawing their horses into springing crouch, and catching 
their spears in their hands, they gave a quick cry, and on 
the next instant they were darting off with an arrow’s speed 
across the desert. They had fied from the death they dared 
not meet!” 

Not until the Nubians were hidden from sight by the 
cloud of sand and dust in the distance, did Noureddin 
move from his position; then he turned toward the pavilion, 
from the entrance of which the two girls were looking. 

“Now, my fair lady!” exclaimed Noureddin, as he came 
up, “you are free. The tyrant’s power is, for the present, 
at least, crushed, and your course shall be once more toward 
your native city.” 

“ Oh, sir, and am I free? Shall I be carried again to my 
home?” uttered the fair Selina, as she gazed almost vacantly 
upon the man before her. 

“If this right arm retains its strength, no earthly power 


70 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


shall prevent returned Noureddin, as he came nearer to 
the pavilion and dismounted. 

‘'And my father — you said he, too, should be safe?^^ 

“ So I said, lady, and so it shall be,’^ answered the youth, 
as he gazed in admiration upon the beautiful features be- 
fore him. “You are released from a state worse than death, 
and your father shall receive you back again to his arms with 
joy and with safety. 

As Noureddin spoke, he took the small white hand of the 
maiden within his own, and almost unconsciously he pressed 
its fair surface to his lips. It was not withdrawn, but when 
the youth would have trembled at his own temerity, he 
met the beaming, thankful expression of Selina’s soft eyes, 
and he knew that she felt not offended. 

In a few moments more Noureddin had arranged the pa- 
vilion for the return, and as he turned from its side, he ex- 
perienced a sensation that had never before thrilled through 
his veins. That small, soft hand still burned upon his lips, 
and the peculiar glance of those two beaming eyes still 
pierced his soul — a glance in which there was much of 
thankfulness, and much of some other emotion, which he 
dared not define to himself — at least so thought Noureddin. 

Once more the train was turned toward Petra. Noured- 
din rode at its head, in a thoughtful, meditative mood, and 
for the time being he seemed almost to forget that he was 
not alone. A new path had opened before him. Its way 
was spread with green buds from which no rose had yet 
bloomed. 


THE KING'S TALISMAN, 


71 


CHAPTER X. 

THE CORH-SELLER. 

In that part of Petra where the stream that watered the 
city lost itself in the rocks, stood a small dwelling, connected 
with which, to the left, was quite a large corn market. 
The simple cross-bar that guarded the front of the store, 
was secured across the entrance, for the day had passed, and 
the season of trade had dwindled into the hours of rest. In 
one of the rooms of the adjoining dwelling — a room which 
overlooked the street — stood an eldely man, whose peculiarly 
turned turban at once betokened the corn merchant. In 
one corner of the apartment stood a lounge, but it showed 
no signs of late use, for the dust of the last twenty-four hours 
had not been disturbed. 

The man’s head was bowed in grief, and as the long, gray 
locks that flowed out from beneath the turban caught the 
rays of a small tallow candle, that burned upon a projecting 
stone against the wall, they showed by their quick, vibratory 
tremulousness that the heart was beating with some painful 
emotion. At length the man raised his head and stepped 
to the window which overlooked the street, but ere he could 
open it to look forth, a footfall at the door arrested his at- 
tention. and as he turned back into the room, he met the 
venerable form of Abdah Xazor. 

^^Ali Kinah," said the old dervise, as he laid his hand 
upon the old corn-seller’s arm, “ I find you bowed down by 
grief. What calamity hath befallen thee?” 

‘^Ah, Abdah Xazor,” replied Ali Kinah, seeming much 
relieved by the old man’s presence, ^‘my son, my son has 
been taken from me.” 


72 


THE KING'S TALISMAN 


no, good Ali — you mistake.” 

^‘Mistake? And is he safe? Is Noureddin still alive?” 

^^Ay — or if he is not it is his own fault,” returned the 
dervise, ^^for he knows all his danger, and none better than 
he knows how to avoid it.” 

^^But where, where has he gone, and why ?” 

^^He is on a message for the king.” 

The king! ^ uttered Ali Kinah, exhibiting a degree of 
surprise mixed with paternal pride; ‘^and has the king 
looked with favor upon the son of the poor corn-seller?” 

A bitter smile rested upon the dervise’s features as he re- 
plied: 

^Tis even so. Modad has chosen thy boy from out all his 
subjects as the one best fitted for his embassy. But list thee, 
Ali Kinah,” continued the old man, while his face assumed 
a deeper expression, I have come, not only to tell thee this — 
to assure thee that thy boy is safe, but also to warn thee that 
thou most not speak of his absence to a living soul. Let not 
a word fall from thy lips that can betray any knowledge 
of Noureddin’s whereabouts, for if thou shouldst, it might 
be the worse for thee.” 

Ali Kinah gazed into the face of his companion with an 
expression of startled wonder. A vague sense of some hid- 
den danger went through his mind, but it was beyond his 
powers to comprehend or define it. 

'‘Tell me, Abdah Kazor,” he at length said, "wherein 
lies my danger. If the king has looked with favor upon my 
boy, why can there be danger for me?” 

" I have told thee there was danger,” remarked the old 
man, "and I have also told thee howto escape it. Perhaps 
the king’s business is somewhat secret, and such as he would 
not like that you should know of, nor that you should ever 
know that the youth had been sent on it.” 

" But surely, the king knows that Noureddin possesses the 


THE KING’S TALISMAN. 


73 


secret of his business, and also that he is my child. Then 
why should he fear to have me know of it?’" 

Modad has assured himself that Noureddin will not dis- 
close the secret of his mission, even to you,"" Abdah Nazor 
said, in a tone so peculiar and strange that the corn-seller 
was startled at its sound. 

Ali Kinah laid his hand upon the old dervise’s shoulder, 
and in a trembling, anxious tone, he asked: 

‘^Does the king meditate harm?"" 

Once I told thee, the dervise replied in a confident tone, 
^Hhat Noureddin knew of his danger, and that none better 
than himself knew how to avoid it. He can avoid all pres- 
ent harm, but as to what may come in future, may not now 
be told. I came to-night to put thee on thy guard, and 
once more I tell thee, let not a word escape regarding the 
youth — at least, for the present. 

Ali Kinah gave his assent, but still he felt ill at ease, and 
shortly afterward, when Abdah Nazor left, he experienced 
as much uneasiness as he did before he received the old 
man"s intelligence. To be sure, he knew that his child was 
alive, and that he was comparatively safe; but yet there was 
a cloud over the youth"s fate which he could not penetrate. 
In the hands of the dervise there was some mysterious power 
•over all with whom he was connected, but over none did that 
power seem to hang with so much portentousness as over 
Noureddin. The youth not only seemed molded to Abdah 
Nazor"s will, but far in the future, beyond the ken of sight 
or reason, the old man bent the boy to his purpose. Not a 
word would he explain of his reason or of his knowledge on 
this particular, but simply asserting that the youth’s destiny 
was known to himself alone, on earth, he pursued his course 
as he saw fit. 

At times Ali Kinah had doubted the old man’s intentions, 
but then the manner in which his lessons were given to 
Noureddin, and, above all, their pure and ennobling in- 


74 


THE KING'S TALISMAN 


fluence, led him back to confidence. When his son was 
yet scarcely able to walk, AbdahNazor had strangely offered 
his services as tutor, and had even then given directions 
for his first childish developments, though it was several 
years later that he assumed a complete guardianship. One 
thing alone puzzled the corn-seller more than all others. 
Though Abdah Nazor pretended to read the youth^s 
destiny, like a scroll, and though he fashioned his mind 
and body for that destiny, as an artisan would fit a lens 
for its appropriate sphere in the telescope, yet" he would 
never let a word drop from his lips that might reveal his 
knowledge or his purpose to other ears. 

Long after the old man left the dwelling, did Ali Kinah 
pace to and fro in his room, pondering upon these cir- 
cumstances, and at length, when he had become somewhat 
calm and composed from reflection, he sought his pillow for 
the night. 

As Abdah Nazor stepped forth from the corn-seller’s 
dwelling, he stopped for a moment on the pavement and cast 
his eye toward the spot where the gilded turrets and domes of 
the royal palace lifted themselves in the starbeams. He 
shook his liead with a mournful but yet significant motion, 
as he gazed upon the glittering pile, and raising his finger 
toward Heaven, he murmured: 

•^Ah, thou false-hearted king — thou craven, coward 
heart! Must the city of Idumea’s pride — the queen of the 
rocky desert, with her thousands of noble souls and brave, 
be humbled in the dust, because thou art a coward? Sit 
there upon your throne; let the flattering tongues of thy 
slaves sound music in thine ears, but oh, there is a God 
who will not long suffer thee thus to be. Beware, Modad, 
for the hour draweth near when judgment shall come upon 
thee, most certain and most fearful!” 

Slowly the old man turned away, and having crossed the 
small stream by means of a bridge which was thrown across 


THE KING'S TALISMAN 


75 


it, he kept on toward the extreme western part of the city, 
until he entered a small defile which lost itself at the dis- 
tance of only a few rods in the darkness beyond. Back 
from this the way was arched by the solid rock overhead, 
until at length it gradually dwindled down to a narrow pas- 
sage, through which, for a distance of ten yards, the old 
man was forced to crawl upon his hands and knees. The 
bottom of the pass was comparatively smooth, and gave 
evidence of having at some former time been the passage for 
no inconsiderable stream of water, but the sides and the top 
were jagged and rough, and he must be well acquainted 
with its peculiarities who would venture its exploration. 

At length the old man came to a place where the way 
grew wider and higher, and to the left, through a chink in 
the stone, twinkled a starlike gleam, seeming only a single 
ray of light, w'hich might have been caught from the sun 
and shut up in this rocky dungeon. Toward this spot the 
dervise moved with a quicker step, and having uttered a low, 
shrill cry, he waited, as if for an answer. Soon the glim- 
mering spark began to multiply its rays, until at length it 
spread to a broad sheet of light, which came streaming 
through an aperture large enough to admit a man with 
ease. Abdah Nazor stepped into the cavern beyond, where 
burned a large torch, and by the light of which sat an old 
woman, engaged in picking in pieces a sort of reed, from 
the bark of which she was making wicks for the torch that 
lighted up her rocky abode. From the side of her stool 
hung one end of a small chain, the other end of which was 
bolted into the rock that formed the bottom of the cavern. 
She remained in the same posture, without looking up or 
evincing any interest in his entrance. 

Finding at length that she noticed him not, the old 
man, advancing nearer to her, exclaimed, in rather an 
excited tone, ''Woman, I would have you consult my 
stars 


76 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


Your stars half reprovingly and half inquisitively re- 
turned the woman. 

^^Ay, Ossifrage/^ replied the old man, ^^my stars.” 

‘^The stars are God^s, and his alone — the only true, the 
only living God^^’’ uttered the old woman, as’she looked up 
into her visitor’s face, without ceasing from her work. 

They are most surely God^’^^Abdah Nazor said, ^^but 
not his alone. I am God’s, and nature is mine. The mid- 
night wanderer upon the trackless desert owns the stars, 
and they are his, if he but knows the great goodness that 
gave them. Tell me, Ossifrage, do we not realize gifts 
from God?^' 

Yes, my brother, and hence I praise him.^’ 

“And has he not given us the twinkling lights that gem 
the night-sky? Has he not given them to us for our joy 
and comfort on earth?” 

“ He has lent them to us.” 

“ No,” said the old dervise. He has given them to us, 
for we are his, and what he bestows upon us, he gives to 
himself. In the economy of the one God, nothing is wasted. 
All things are his, and so he giveth jewels to his children 
without losing them to himself. Hence I love to praise 
God, that he has given to me those night-gems of beauty to 
make glad my eyes.” 

The old woman had dropped her reeds by her side while 
Abdah Nazor spoke, and for several moments after he closed 
she maintained a thoughtful silence; but at length she 
raised her eyes, and uttered: 

“ I have learned from thee a lesson. Henceforth I will 
accept those gifts and render thanks accordingly, and all 
excepting life itself will I take as his gifts.” 

“My sister, life is the only thing that God has given to 
us forever. Life is the only one of all his gifts that he will 
never take from us. This poor body of dust may m older 
away from this desert of earth, or become food for the eagle 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


77 


and jackal, but the life that is given with it may never be 
extinguished. God himself is not more lasting than be- 
comes the soul he creates. The breath of the body is not 
the life of man. That only keeps in motion the wonderful 
mechanism that is tied to the clay; but Tis the soul— that 
principle that loves the beautiful and the good — that prin- 
ciple that can never die, that forms our life. That life will 
be ever ours, and as we live it, either here or among the 
stars of the brighter world hereafter, so shall we enjoy it, 
or be made miserable in its possession. 

As the old man ceased speaking, he reseated himself upon 
his stone bench, and regarded his companion with a curious 
eye. 

So it is, and 'tis surely true,^^ murmured the woman to 
herself. This wrinkled brow will soon lie lifeless in the 
earth, but I — I shall live forever. I thank thee, Abdah 
Nazor, that thou hast thus spoken.” 

Ossifrage picked up her reeds, and in a thoughtful mood 
resumed her work, while the old man gazed upon her for 
some moments in silence, and then, as he arose from his 
seat a second time, he said: 

Sister, I have come to-night on business. What amount 
of food have you in your cell?” 

^^Not more than enough to last myself eight-and-forty 
hours. 

Then I must furnish you with money to procure more, 
for you may have occasion to entertain visitors.” 

^^And whom will you bring hither 

As yet I cannot tell,” returned the old man. It may 
be Ali Kinah.^^ 

Surely nothing can have happened to Noureddin,” 
quickly exclaimed Ossifrage, betraying in her manner a de- 
gree of solicitude for which few would have given her 
credit. 


78 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


Not much/^ replied Abdah Nazor, and in as few words 
as possible he went on and related all that had occurred. 

‘^Be sure and watch well the youth/^ said Ossifrage, as 
the old man concluded; ^^for I would rather die than that 
harm should come to him. Were he of my own blood, I 
could love him no better than I do now.” 

^^Fear not for him,” returned Abdah Nazor, ^‘for you 
may rest assured that he is safe from all harm, save such as 
God may choose to mete out to him for good. But I will 
give thee money, and on the morrow you must go to the 
market-place and procure food.” 

It shall be done,” answered the old woman. My 
humble cell shall ever be open to such as flee from the wick- 
edness of Mod ad; and humble though it be, ^tis strong 
against oppression.” 

So should ever be the dwelling of him who lives in the 
love and fear of God,” pronounced Abdah Nazor, as he 
moved toward the entrance of the cave. It may be sev- 
eral days ere our hospitality will be needed, but when the 
time comes I would have all in readiness.” 

You may depend upon it.” 

^^Then fare thee well, under God’s care till we meet 
again,” said the old dervise, and as he spoke he took hold 
of the chain and pulled back the swinging rock that gave 
him egress. 

As Abdah Nazor stepped forth into the narrow cave, he 
went not back the way he had come, but continued on far- 
ther still from the city. Sometimes he would crawl upon 
his hands and knees, sometimes a mere stoop would 
give him passage, at others he could walk upright. At 
length, at the end of about fifteen minutes, the way took a 
sudden turn to the left, by several abrupt projections, each 
one of which seemed to utterly bar the way; but these being 
passed, the old man was obliged to let himself down a con- 
siderable distance, from point to point of the jagged rocks, 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


79 


until lie found himself in the midst of a thick growth of 
dwarf shrubbery. Pushing these on one side, he stepped 
forth upon the plain outside of the mountain wall that en- 
compassed the city, and took his way toward the foot of 
Mount Hor. 


80 


THE KING’S TALISMAN. 


CHAPTER XL 

A MESSEiq-GER FROM THE KING. 

All that the art of man could do for the comfort and 
happiness of any individual, had been done for Al-Bassa, the 
king’s minister and privy counselor; upon his dwelling had 
been lavished all that the most sumptuous taste could de- 
mand, his table was loaded wdth the richest dainties of the 
East, and a score of ready servants stood obedient to his 
will; but Al-Bassa had most bitterly learned that all his 
wealth, that all his pomp and pride of state, could afford no 
happiness. His gold, for which thousands would have even 
shed a brother’s blood, was but as dross in his eyes; and his 
jewels, for which monarchs might have envied him, were 
like so many worthless pebbles in his coffers. The old man 
had tasted deeply of sorrow, nor was there a single gleam of 
sunlight to relieve the darkness of his soul. 

It was late at night — on the same night that Abdah 
Nazor visited the cell of Ossifrage— that Al-Bassa stepped 
forth from his porch and entered the rose-lined walks of his 
garden. His hands were clasped in agony, and his eyes 
were raised toward the star-lit heavens, the twinkling beams 
from which played in the tear-drops that stood trembling 
upon his eyelids. 

Oh,” he murmured, as he placed his hands to his throb- 
bing brow, ^^why has this blow come upon me? Why have 
hairs thus been brought down in sorrow, and the 
brightness of my home changed into darkness of utter 
desolation? The sun has gone from my path, the gentle 
moon refuses her light, and the stars of heaven each send a 
stream of living fire to my soul. My child! my child! my 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


81 


gentle Selina, is lost to me forever! She upon whom my 
heart was fixed as the unfiedged eagle to its nest, has been 
torn from me, and upon the wide earth not a tie exists to 
bind me to myself. 

Oh, if angels look forth from yonder stars, let them pity 
me in my distress, and let them shed one ray of hope into 
my soul, for soon, very soon, that soul must be a wanderer 
among their gentle beams. Earth cannot much longer be 
the home of such a spirit as is mine. Crushed! broken! 
cast down beiieath mine own contempt!” 

For a moment, Al-Bassa stopped in his walk. The tears 
which had been starting forth were dried in their course, 
and the trembling of the muscles was stilled to an iron calm- 
ness. Soon a simple word broke from his lips. 

Modad!” he uttered, and then clenched his hands with 
a sort of sudden determination that sent its tone through 
every nerve in his system. Modad, I have served thee 
long and faithfully, but I will serve thee no longer, and 
would to heaven that my heart had been steeled against thy 
wickedness ere the shaft of misery was sent to my bosom.” 

The old man walked on for a time, and at length he 
turned toward the dwelling. Half the distance had he 
traversed back when he was met by one of his slaves. 

Master,” said the slave, bowing low before the coun- 
selor, ^‘^a messenger from the king awaits you in your 
dwelling.” 

‘^Froin the king, said you?” exclaimed the old man start- 
ing as though his foot had trodden upon a scorpion. 

^^Yes, my master.” 

'^He gave not his errand?” 

‘^Only that the king desired your immediate attend- 
ance at the palace.” 

Go back and tell the messenger that I can ” 

Al-Bassa hesitated for a moment, and bent his eyes 
thoughtfully upon the ground. The first flash of indigna- 


82 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


tion passed away ; but it was succeeded by a calmness that 
had far more depth of meauing, and looking up once more 
at his servant, he said : 

Tell the messenger I will attend him anon.’’ 

Slowly and thoughtfully Al-Bassa continued his walk to- 
ward his dwelling. At times there was a kind of hesita- 
tion in his manner, as though he would reject the plan he 
had formed, but ere his foot touched the threshold of his 
dwelling, he had banished all traces of perturbation from his 
features, and with a calm and collected mien he soon 
accompanied the royal messenger to the palace of his 
monarch. 

Modad received his counselor in one of the upper private 
apartments of his palace, and, even as the apples of his 
eyes, the two mutes bore him company. There was, as 
usual, a cloudy expression on his brow, but a far deeper 
concern than he often expressed, sat upon his features. 
When Al-Bassa entered, the king was pacing up and down 
his apartment, with unequal, nervous strides, but as his 
eyes fell upon the old man he stopped in his walk, while a 
satisfied expression flitted across his countenance. 

I am glad you have come, Al-Bassa,” was the monarch’s 
flrst exclamation, as he extended his hand to his counselor, 

for I have need of thy services.” 

Al-Bassa took the extended hand of his king, but he 
made no answer to his remark. 

^^How now, my old friend?” rather abruptly continued 
Modad, as he glanced at the expression upon the old man’s 
features. ^‘Have you no word of well-wishing for your 
king?” 

I do most certainly wish your majesty well,” replied 
Al-Bassa, without bending from his former reserve; ‘‘ and 
I am prepared to hear your orders.” 

To hear them?’’ uttered Modad, as a quick flash of some- 
thing like anger trembled upon his cheeks and lips. Then 


THE KING'S TALISMAN, 


83 


bending a meaning look upon Al-Bassa, he added, in a 
half suppressed tone: 

To hear your king is to obeyP’ 

“But yet I cannot obey till I hear/^ returned the old 
man, without seeming to notice his monarches manne?-. 

For a moment the king seemed puzzled by the manner 
of his counselor. He had never before seen Al-Bassa in 
such a mood, and he never had expected aught but meek 
submission to his will. The pampered, arbitrary monarch 
knew not how much grief the human heart might feel, nor 
knew he how that same grief might steel the heart that had 
at first bent submissively beneath it. 

“ Al-Bassa/"* at length said the king, assuming a kind and 
patronizing air, “ I have need not only o‘f thy counsel and 
advice, but I have need also of thy efficient aid, I must 
have the Petran monarches talisman."*^ 

“The King’s Talisman!’* iterated Al-Bassa, in startled 
surprise. ■ 

“Ay,” returned the king, “I must possess that talisman, 
even though all Egypt and Arabia be ransacked to find it.” 

“In this case, your majesty,” deliberately replied the 
counselor, “ I can neither advise nor assist you, for I have 
no clew to its whereabouts.” 

“Neither have I,” Modad said, “but still I must have it. 
Something tells me that without it my reign must be short- 
ened. One blow I have already averted, but — What ails 
thee, my friend?” the king exclaimed, as he noticed Al- 
Bas^a’s countenance turn pale. 

“ Nothing, sire — only your words brought back to my 
mind a scene that I cannot reflect upon but with the deep- 
est sorrow.” 

The king understood the illusion, but passing it by in 
silence, he continued: 

“lam threatened by a calamity still greater than would 
have been the attack of Boljaz, and if I am without the 


84 


THE KING'S TALISMAN 


talisman, I must surely fall. That talisman must have 
either been lost or stolen, and it may be even now in 
Petra. 

But this calamity, sire — what is its nature asked Al- 
Bassa, with surprise. 

That is more than I can tell thee now,^’ answered Mo- 
dad, while a slight trembling seized his limbs, ^^for to my- 
self I cannot define it. Still I feel it hanging about me, 
and at every step some hidden pitfall seems yawning for me. 
But one thing I would have thee do,^^ the king continued, 
with a sudden start, and seeming for the moment to 
forget his talisman. ‘‘Do you know that old sooth- 
sayer?^’ 

“ Abdah Nazor?’^ 

“The same.” 

“Yes, sire.” 

“ Then I would have him removed from my path.” 

“Well?” uttered the old counselor, gazing calmly at his 
monarch, as if he understood not the hint. 

“I would have thee do it, Al-Bassa.’^ 

Al-Bassa may have given a sudden start, but its elfects 
were hardly perceptible, for almost on the instant he an- 
swered : 

“Sire, I will serve you in all that is just and honorable, 
so long as we may both live, but I will not sacrifice more of 
my honor to your will.” 

Modad at first failed to comprehend the full import of the 
old rnan^s words, and in a smothered tone, he said: 

“You do not understand me. I said that I wished thee 
to remove Abdah Nazor from my way. You have trusty 
servants, and the thing may be easily done, for the old 
soothsayer almost daily, so I am told, visits the city from 
his mountain retreat.” 

Al-Bassa’s first step in moral independence had been taken. 


THE KING'S TALIS3IAN. 


85 


and now he had no mind to retract; so in a decided manner 
he replied: 

‘‘ I understand your meaning, sire, and my answer was 
just. I have already sacrificed more than mortal man might 
have demanded of me, but the danger of the city had great 
weight in my decision. Now, however, I will sacrifice no 
more.-’' 

‘‘ Then you will not do my, bidding?’^ 

“ Not to raise my hand against the old man of whom you 
speak.” 

‘^Beware!” exclaimed the monarch, while his cheeks 
paled, and his lips grew purple with rage. Beware, Al- 
Bassa! Once more — will you see that Abdah Nazor is re- 
moved from my way?” 

I will not,” proudly returned the counselor, as he 
stepped back, and folded his arms across his breast. 

Then, by the powers of Tartarus, your own head shall 
be the forfeit!” cried Modad, as he brought his hands to- 
gether with a sharp clap. 

“My heart is already crushed and broken, sire,” calmly 
returned Al-Bassa, as four black eunuchs entered the apart- 
rnent at the signal just given by the king, “and my head 
you may take in welcome; but I tell thee, Modad, Al-Bassa’s 
blood will lay heavily on your soul.” 

“Not half so heavily as his own disobedience shall rest 
upon his own,” muttered Modad, moving back a pace and 
motioning the eunuchs forward. “ I would not harm thee, 
Al-Bassa,” he continued, betraying a slight hesitation in his 
purpose, “but I must be obeyed. Once more, will you do 
as I have desired?” 

“Never!” 

For a full minute the king gazed upon his stubborn coun- 
selor in silence. Anger had been succeeded by astonish- 
ment, and again anger had gained the ascendency. He could 
have smitten a common citizen at once to the dust who 


86 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


should have dared to disobey him, but there was that in the 
air and mien of the old man before him that held him back 
from its most terrible purpose, and smothering the words 
that rose to his lips, he turned to the eunuchs, and with a 
calmness that was far more fearful in its import, he said : 

Take that old man away, slaves, and confine him in 
one of the dungeons beneath the Augustan Pillar.” 

Modad,” said Al-Bassa, as the eunuchs laid their hands 
upon him, ^^tell me all that you meditate against me. I 
can bear it with as much fortitude as you can speak it/' 
Death or liberty are at your own disposal,” the king re- 
plied. “ But no man can live who dares to disobey me.” 

Then I am one who dares to do even that,” fell calmly 
from the old counselor’s lips, and the next instant he 
was led away frcrm his monarch’s presence. 

The Augustan Pillar was a huge marble column which 
raised its towering form within the western park of the 
palace, and beneath it, connecting with the cells beneath 
the palace itself, were several small dungeons, the farthest 
removed of any from sight and hearing, and the most dark 
and loathsome in the vicinity. Al-Bassa well knew the 
locality, and he knew, too, the sure fate of those who once 
crossed their fatal thresholds. 

What the silent waters of the Bosporus were to the Turk- 
ish sultan, were the Augustan dungeons to the Petran king. 
Their deep and gloomy silence told no tales of those who 
slept the last sleep within their massive walls, nor did the 
prayers of their victims fall upon other ears than those of 
God. He who once passed within their precincts by the 
fiat of the king, never again saw the light of day — no 
tongue might ever again lisp to them the sweet sounds of 
friendship, nor might the hum of the busy world again 
break over their senses. 

The old man knew all this, and yet, when he turned away 
from the monarch, he did so with firmness, but ere he had 


THE KlNG^S T A LIS MAH. 


87 


passed many steps from the apartment where he had re- 
ceived his death warrant, a new gleam of light broke in 
upon his mind. This order of Modad^s he thought, was not 
so suddenly conceived as might at first appear, though per- 
haps he had not intended to have executed his purpose so 
quickly as had now been done. 

For those whom the king now sent on his mission 
to Khaibar, with the exception of his trusty Nubians, 
thought Al-Bassa, to himself, he has prepared a sure 
safeguard for their secrecy, in death. Perhaps this old 
soothsayer is also possessed of his seeret, and hence he would 
have me put him out of the way. Me he chooses for this 
work, because I alone might know the reason for the old 
man’s death, and then, I am the only living witness 
of his perfidy, and my death would be sure to follow! 
Modad has meditated my death from the first, but has 
not dared to take it openly. Now I must make an effort to 
escape from his tyranny.-’^ 

The eunuchs, obedient to their masters command, laid 
hold of the old man to conduct him to the gloomy dungeon. 
The old counselor moved like one in a dream, and looked 
round as he passed, hoping for some avenue whereby help 
might come. As he thus lagged in his movement, the 
eunuchs took him by the arm to help him along. The 
counselors eyes were fastened upon the wall, from which a 
window appeared to open to the divan. Every nerve was 
strained to its utmost, and with one quick, sudden bound, 
the prisoner leaped from those who held him. His sword 
flew.from its sheath, and almost with the speed of light, he 
darted toward the great chamber of audience. The heavy 
tapestry that guarded its entrance was thrown aside — the 
window that overlooked the court was gained — the stained 
glass fell in a thousand fragments upon the pavement be- 
neath, and in an instant more, untouched by the half petri- 
fied, pursuing eunuchs, Al-Ba§sa fell heavily amid the rat- 


88 


THE KING^S TALISMAN. 


tling ruins of the window. He would have arisen, but a 
thick cloud came over his vision, and with a'faint sensation, 
as of some one moving his body, he sank into utter uncon- 
sciousness. 


CHAPTEK XII. 

THE SUNLIGHT OF HOPE. 

The Petran train moved rapidly after it had been turned 
toward home, for Xoureddin determined that he would pass 
on as far as possible ere he stopped for the night. The 
eunuchs betrayed some uneasiness in their manners, but 
still they were ready and cheerful in obedience to their 
young leader; for though the fear of the king rested some- 
what harshly upon them, yet they trusted to the young man^s 
promise that they should not be harmed, and after a while 
they seemed to transfer ^11 their thought to the service of him 
who had now become their onlj director. Through Molech 
they had learned of the king^s diabolical purpose respecting 
them, and they plainly saw that in Noureddiu they had a 
noble preserver. 

Selina, too, had calmed most of her fears, and once more 
the tide of joy went coursing through' her veins. As the 
sun now sank toward its western home, its beams threw her 
shadow toward her native city, and she was following its 
welcome index. Oft during the day she looked forth 
from her pavilion, and as often had her eyes instinctively 
sought out the noble form of him who had been the author 
of her salvation. What feelings swelled in her bosom, or 
what thoughts possessed her mind, she hardly knew herself; 
they were deep and heartfelt, but they came so thick and 
fast, and, withal, so overwhelming, that she knew only that 
they left a soft shade of gladness behind. 

Selina,’^ said Miriam, just after Noureddin had ridden 
past the pavilion, and passed a respectful word of kindness 


THE HINGES TALISMAN. 


89 


with its occupants, did I not tell thee truly, when I said 
there was hope for ns yet?^^ 

“You spoke with prophetic vision, kind one, Selina an- 
swered, as she gazed into the face of her faithful attendant. 
“ God grant that all may end as well as it has begun. 

“Godm7^ grant it, enthusiastically returned Miriam, 
“ or else He is not the kind Being that you have so often 
bidden me look up to in my prayers.^’ 

‘^Ah, my child, you have not yet learned to read the 
character of the God whom I have taught you to worship. 
His children may not know why He marks out their thorny 
paths, but yet for their good it is done. I may suffer — I 
may even die in my sufferings, but beyond that God has 
laid His plans, and none may see their end, save to know 
they arc good.^^ 

Selina saw the half-vacant stare with which her com- 
panion regarded her, and she knew that the girFs mind 
comprehended not the mysteries of her religion, and in- 
stantly changing the subject, she added: 

“ But I do trust, Miriam, that all will end well with us, 
though we have by far the darkest point yet to cross over.” 

^‘Surely, my mistress, we can have none darker than that 
which has already passed.” 

“Yes,” replied Selina, “we must stand again in the 
power of the king; and though the brave Noureddin may 
raise his hand against the king^s servants, yet he will have 
no power against the monarches own personal authority.” 

“ But the young man has assured you that he has the power 
to protect you from Modad s evil designs, and we surely have 
seen enough of his character to know well that he would 
not boast idly. He is too noble for that.” 

“Noble,” murmured Selina, as a flood of peculiar light 
swam in her eyes — “ay, he is noble, and he is kind, and I 
will trust him even with life itself.” 

There was nothing in the words that her mistress had 


90 


THE KINOES TALISMAN. 


spoken that caused the quick flash of intelligence in 
Miriam’s face, but it was in their tone and manner; and 
laying her hand upon the maiden’s arm, she looked curi- 
ously up into her face. Selina would have spoken further, 
but at that moment Noureddin looked in. 

‘"Fair lady,” said he, ""the sun is just dipping upon the 
mountain tops, and its heat is nearly ^gone. Will you not 
taste the air that is moving without your pavilion?” 

"" I will, indeed, sir,” replied Selina, with a thankful ex- 
pression. 

“ And your attendant, too?” 

""You will go, Miriam?” Selina said, turning to her com- 
panion. 

‘" With pleasure,” returned Miriam; and ere long the two 
females were again upon horseback. 

As the evening shades threw their gauzy vail over the 
desert sands and the mountain peaks, Noureddin drew his 
steed nearer to the fair Selina, and by a sort of instinctive, 
mutual consent, they rode farther in advance of the train. 
Thus far they had said but little, save incidental remarks 
upon the nature and appearance of the barren scenery that 
met the eye on their path ; but the most casual observer could 
not have failed to notice that there was, much thought and 
feeling in their hearts, even though it found no utterance. 
Several times had Noureddin found the eyes of his com- 
panion fixed upon his features with a most earnest and in- 
quisitive glance, but his own look was sure to turn those 
orbs away, and call up a blush beneath their dark lashes. 

"" Lady,” at length said the young man, with a slight 
tremulousness in histone, ""the short time we have spent 
together has been, I believe, an eventful season for us both; 
but to me its memory will be fraught with some happy asso- 
ciations.” 

‘" So may I too say,” fell from Selina’s lips, as she looked 
gratefully into the face of her companion. ""My journey 


THE KINHS TALISMAN, 


91 


was commenced in sorrow and darkness, but the halo of a 
noble and pure heart soon penetrated the gloom, and now 
the full brightness of that noble hearths friendship has 
chased away all the gloom from my path, and the future of 
my poor life shall be made better and happier in memory of 
the disinterested deed." 

Then you will not forget the poor youth who has thus 
made his first essay of responsibility. You will at times 
remember him in your prayers, and give his picture a place 
in your thoughts." 

"^Made his first essay!" iterated Selina, after a mementos 
hesitation, during which time a rich fount of blood had 
mounted to her neck and temples, and gone back again to 
her heart. 

‘‘Yes, lady, this is my first chapter in life. Until the 
morning on which you were led out from the city, I had 
been but a scholar under my master’s tutorship, and to God 
be the praise that my first act has been in behalf of one so 
worthy, and yet so unfortunate, as yourself. But you will 
soon be returned to the arms of your father; my mission 
thus far will be accomplished, and in addition to the joy 
which the performance of duty has given to me, let me feel 
that I am not forgotten by her whom 1 have endeavored to 
serve." 

For some time Selina remained silent. Her eyes were 
bent upon the arching neck of her horse, but she saw not 
the object toward which they were turned. If she tried to 
see at all, it was a vision of the world within her, where the 
ruling heart was struggling in its chains, and fast giving 
way to a power more potent than the impulsive reason which 
had heretofore been its governing principle. At length she 
called back her wandering thoughts, and turning her eyes 
frankly, yet tremblingly, upon her companion, she said: 

“ Ah, kind sir, this heart of mine was not framed for a 
forgetfulness of those who minister to its joy and peace; 


92 


THE KING'S TALISMAN, 


and surely, to one who has ministered as you have done, it 
must ever bow in humble gratitude. But,^’ she continued, 
in a somewhat anxious tone, ^‘I trust you will biding no 
harm upon yourself in thus serving me.^'’ 

The manner in which Selina spoke this plainly indicated 
that she feared, rather than trusted — that she was deeply 
concerned lest that very danger to her preserver that she 
would hope against should come upon him. hToureddin 
noticed her manner, and he marked, too, the depth of tone 
with which she spoke, and while a strange light shone forth 
from his eyes, he replied. 

^‘Fair lady, the only source of danger that I have to fear 
is that which may have become planted in my own soul. 
Had I served thee without seeing your face, and without 
hearing thy sweet voice, all would have been unclouded in 
the memories which must hang over the scene I have passed. 
Had I looked not within the casket, I might have saved the 
jewel from tarnish and destruction without having coveted 
it for myself. Blame me not for thus speaking so plainly, 
for you have inspired me with the feelings which I utter, 
and to none else would I speak them.^' 

Beneath the language of looks and indirectly implied feel- 
ings Selina had trembled and blushed, for they dealt with 
so much doubt, and were yet so potent, that she had sure 
ground for either hope or fear, while her own feelings were 
tossed about upon a sea of uncertainty. But her heart was 
too noble for dissimulation, and now that her companion 
had spoken so freely, so openly, she could not, she dared 
not, deceive him, and with a look and tone in which all 
was frankness and nobleness, she said: 

If you have found a jewel, worth coveting, what have I 
not found in the heart and soul of one who has been the 
first to show me how noble and good man can be?” 

And have you found in me one whose pure and holy 
love you could return?— one to whom you could give a place 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


93 


in your maiden heart asked Noureddin, almost breath- 
less from the intensely absorbing feeling that moved 
within him. 

Perhaps/^ returned Selina, “an answer to such a ques- 
tion at the present time might be somewhat biased, for the 
weight of gratitude that lays upon my heart might give wider 
wings to my tongue. But,^^ — the maiden dropped her eyes 
as she said it — “ even if it were a sin to love thee, I fear my 
poor heart could not break the chains that your kindness to 
me has wound around it.^’ 

The stars twinkled in the blue .vault of the celestial 
throne; their beams danced merrily over the tiny crystals 
that lay upon the surface of the sands, and the steady foot- 
fall of the horses alone broke the stillness around; but 
Noureddin heeded nothing save the new heaven that had 
opened in his soul — he heard no sound save the melody of 
that sweet voice that yet rang its enchanting music in his 
ears. 

“ Selina, he said, in accents so soft and rich that they 
seemed like the intonations of the swept viol, “ you know 
not the degree of joy your words have imparted to my soul; 
but until different circumstances surround us — until our 
hearts are free from all extraneous motives, I will rest upon 
the token I have this night received, and should our lives 
be spared to the future, I may yet strive for the jewel that 
now sends its dazzling brightness o^er my spirits way. Your 
path it is easy to see, for, once more, restored to the arms of 
your father, your home will again be the abode of peace and 
joy, with wealth and station at your command; but with 
me the future is as uncertain as the winds of heaven. One 
thing only do I know; so long as earth receives the impress 
of my feet, an untarnished honor and a truthful heart shall 
be mine.^^ 

“ A wealth tliat monarchs might covet, did they but know 
the source of true greatness, quickly returned Selina, as 


94 


THE KINHS TALISMAN. 


she raised her eyes, beaming with love and pride, to the face 
of her companion. But tell me,^' she continued, as she 
gazed more intently upon the features of the young man, 

where is it I have seen you before? Did you ever visit my 
father’s house?” 

•‘Never,” returned Noureddin, somewhat surprised at the 
question. “ I have seen your father in the street, but he 
knows not me. Some countenance resembling mine must 
be in your memory.” 

“No, that cannot be. A countenance like yours would 
never pass from my mind.” 

“ And yet you cannot even now identify it, nor call to 
mind where or when you have seen its like,” returned Nou- 
reddin, with a smile. 

“ True, true,” murmured Selina, half to herself. “ But 
yet it is connected with a thousand associations in my mind: 
and even as far back as childhood the chain seems to run 
though I cannot call to mind one link of that chain.” 

“ It must be some one else besides me,” Noureddin said, 
“ for one in my humble station could not have been iden- 
tified with such associations.” 

“No; the picture is too vivid, too absorbing in its very 
uncertain strangeness, to admit of such a construction. I 
cannot solve the mystery, though I have tried to do it from 
the moment I first saw you; but of one thing I am certain — 
your form and features alone are at the bottom of it.” 

As the maiden spoke, she turned toward Miriam, who 
rode at a respectful distance behind, and beckoned her for- 
ward. 

“Miriam,” she said, in an undertone, “is not our young 
leader’s countenance familiar to you? Had you not seen it 
somewhere before we met him here?” 

A quick beam of intelligence shot across the attendant’s 
face, and bending her lips close to the ear of her mistress, she 
whispered a hurried sentence. Selina started as the words 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


95 


of Miriam fell upon her ear, and instinctively she turned her 
eyes again toward Noureddin. They rested there a mo- 
ment; a dozen shadows of quick thought flittered across her 
beautiful features the while, and when, at length, she re- 
moved her gaze, the vail seemed lifted from her memory; 
but the light that had burst forth from behind it nearly 
overpowered her, and until the train had stopped for the 
night, though she answered her companion’s questions, she 
was strangely moved by the thoughts that whirled through 
her busy brain. 


96 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


CHAPTER XIIL 

A DANGEROUS ENEMY AND HIS ALLIES. 

On the next morning Noureddin was stirring betimes,, 
and ere the sun had burned up all the coolness, his train 
was in motion. For three hours he rode on in a thought- 
ful, silent mood, occasionally casting his eyes behind him 
to see that all was in order, and again sinking into a deep 
reverie. He had noticed the strange manner of Selina on 
the previous evening, and he had noticed, too, the whisper 
of Miriam; but though his curiosity had been excited to its 
highest pitch, yet he had too much politeness to intrude 
any questioning. The circumstance was not to be lightly 
passed over, nor thrown aside, however, for that there was 
some deep mystery hidden behind the whole, the youth felt 
assured; and he felt, too, that in some way its solution 
would materially affect him. At first he tried to persuade 
himself that Selina’s strange recognition of himself must 
have been the result of some peculiar coincidence of like- 
ness; but her manner had been too confident to admit of such 
a supposition — and then her bearing afterward, when she 
had received the whispered answer of her attendant, was of 
itself a convincing proof that her first impressions had been 
fully confirmed. 

So deeply had Xoureddin become buried in his reflections 
that he knew but little, if anything, of what was going on 
about him. The whole train might have stopped, and for 
half an hour he would have ridden unsuspectingly along 
without them; but he was soon startled from his dreamy 
reverie by a quick cry from one of the eunuchs, and in an 
instant more Molech came dashing up to his side. 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


97 


^^See there, sir!'^ exclaimed the Egyptian, at the same 
time pointing with his finger off toward the northward and 
eastward, where a small cloud seemed hanging upon the 
horizon. 

Some caravan, perhaps, bound for Petra,” said Nou- 
reddin. 

But they are coming directly toward us,” replied 
Molech. ‘^See their spear-heads gleam in the sunlight.” 

The youthful leader had now fairly collected his scat- 
tered senses, and he saw in a moment that the approaching 
cavalcade was on no regular track, but riding directly to- 
ward his own train. 

“ They are coming this way,'’ he said, turning to the 
Egyptian. 

^‘Yes, my master, and I fear, too, that our time has 
come,” replied Molech, while he trembled with fearful 
agitation. 

What mean you, Molech?” the young man asked, and 
he gazed in astonishment upon his follower's trepidation. 

We are armed.” 

Do you not recognize those spear-heads?” Molech re- 
turned. 

^^Are they different from others?” 

Their length, sir. See! they are a half-dozen spans 
above their riders' heads.” 

^‘Well, what of that?” 

'^What of it? Why, sir, I think you might know 
them out of ten thousand. They are those accursed Nu- 
bians.” 

Noureddin gazed more intently upon the swiftly approach- 
ing party, and at length he became convinced that Molech's 
fears were well founded. Not only were the Nubians re- 
turning, but they had a heavy addition with them, consist- 
ing of fully forty of those wild Arabs who roamed among 
the mountains, and whose prowess and warlike endowments 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


were the terror of all whom they chanced to meet in combat. 

The train had halted of its own accord when the pursuers 
came well in sight, and casting his eyes around upon the 
eunuchs, Noureddin saw that a panic of terror had seized 
upon them. They sat trembling in their saddles like so 
many dwarf aspens, and the sagacious horses seemed to be 
well aware of the danger which their riders so much feared. 
The young man cast one more look at the Nubians and 
their allies, and that sufficed to convince him that he had 
to contend with the whole party, for he could see that their 
spears were cast from their beckets, only resting in the stir- 
rup-sockets, while their whole bearing was indicative of an 
immediate attack. 

Selina,^' he said, riding hastily up to the side of the 
pavilion, from which the lady was looking forth upon the 
distant horsemen, there^s danger at hand, perhaps fear- 
ful. But let your heart faint not; we will fight to the last, 
and we may be able to finally overcome the opposition.'^ 

‘^And are they enemies?" asked the trembling girl, as 
she looked in dismay upon the coming troop. 

You may as well know the truth, Selina. I fear they 
are. Those Nubians have been quick in their operations, 
and you see the numerous reinforcements they bring. 

^"The Nubians F' cried the poor girl, for the first time 
recognizing the deadly blacks. Oh, God! Then indeed I 
am lost!'^ 

"'No, no, dearest maiden; you are not lost till you see 
my form cold in death. Watch me, and so long as this 
right arm remains true to its duty, so long you arc safe."' 

"‘Oh, do not, do not give battle to them!"" exclaimed 
Selina, as she grasped Noureddin’s arm, ‘" for see! they out- 
number you three to one. They will kill you, and then I 
shall have no protector, no friend on whom to rely."" 

""Yes, you will,"" said a soft, sweet, calm voice behind her. 


THE KING* 8 TALISMAN. 


99 


and as she spoke, Miriam stepped forward, and held out the 
small dagger which she still kept in her possession. 

Selina s tearful eye grew brighter as she saw the gleam- 
ing weapon, and while her features grew calm and com- 
posed, she took the dagger, and unloosed the lacing of her 
silken vest. 

Go on, Noureddin,'^ she said, with a potent calmness — 

and when I see you fall, Selina and Miriam will remain 
not long behind you.'^ 

A tremor shook the young man^s frame, as he saw the 
significant movement, 'and averting his gaze from the fatal 
weapon, he said: 

Be sure that I am dead, ere you strike; but if I fall to 
rise no more, then God direct your hand.'’ 

Noureddin seized the fair hand that had been laid upon 
his arm, and imprinting upon it a warm kiss, he turned his 
horse’s head away. There was a strange misgiving in his 
heart as he saw the powerful force that came sweeping down 
upon him, for he could see no possible way of escape; but 
he would not let the eunuchs see his thoughts, and assum- 
ing a confident air and tone, he ordered the pavilion to be 
moved as far in the rear as possible, and then turning to- 
ward the still trembling Egyptians, he said: 

^'Now, my brave followers, we have got to fight. I know 
that the enemy outnumber us, but let us trust in Heaven 
for aid. Do not shrink nor quail, but strike home with all 
your might. You all know that good fighting alone can save 
you, for to submit is but to be instantly murdered. How, 
my men, which death will you choose? Will you have your 
throats cut like dogs, or will you die like the brave men 
you have already proved yourselves?” 

The eunuchs gazed upon the calm features of their noble 
leader; they saw at once how they were situated — that escape 
was impossible, and that quiet submission would be naught 
but sure death — and as one man they unslung their lances 


100 


THE KINHS TALISMAN. 


and placed their shields upon the guard. By the time 
Noureddiu had arranged his scanty band in order of defense, 
the enemy were hard upon them. 

‘‘Stand firm, my men,^^ he shouted, “and let each blow 
be well aimed and strong. Be the Nubians your first marks. 
There are but eight of them, and if we can manage to 
put them out of the way we have hopes of quarter from the 
others. 

Hardly had Noureddin ceased speaking, when the power- 
ful Nubians, and their still more powerful allies, came dash- 
ing upon them. The leader of the mountain Arabs was a 
sinewy, stalwart fellow, with a most savage expression of 
countenance, and his followers, to the number of thirty- 
five, were in good keeping with their leader. On they 
came, and the Egyptians received their shock bravely, 
and not one of them was unhorsed, while Noureddin s good 
sword had found the life of another of the Nubians on the 
first blow. At first the Egyptians tried to aim all their 
blows at the blacks; but the Arabs pressed them so hard that 
they were forced to give up the purpose, and letting go 
their spears they dwew their heavy swords and defended 
themselves with the strength of madmen. They knew they 
must fight till they died; there was no alternative; and with 
a fury almost superhuman they dashed among the foe. 

Thick and fast fell the blows upon the shield and sword 
of Noureddin, but as yet no steel had touched him. Once 
he cast his eyes round toward the pavilion, and he received 
a fresh impulse from the view. Selina was gazing forth 
upon the scene of conflict with a tearless eye and marble 
face; in her right hand she held the dagger, while the left 
was pressed firmly upon her heart. Again the youth swept 
his sword above his head, and a powerful Arab fell beneath 
its stroke. Five of his faithful Egyptians were stretched 
upon the sand, while one or two of the others were also 
severely wounded. 


THE KING'S TALISMAN, 


101 


Now, dog, take thy death/^ shouted one of the Nubians, 
as he pressed upon the young man, and knocked his sword 
from its guard. 

A piercing cry rent the air above the clang and rattle of 
the clashing steel, as the Nubian’s sword swept the air high 
above Noureddin^’s head. He heard the sound, and like an 
electric shock it filled his soul. Sinking his rowels deep 
into the flank of his horse, he drew the animal quickly on 
one side, and as the half-blinded, infatuated Nubian^s sword 
came whistling down within an inch of his side, he drove 
his. own weapon deep into the black^s breast. Again he 
cast his eye about, and another of his Egyptians had fallen, 
while the rest were fast giving way before the pressing foe. 
Three of the Nubians had bitten the dust, and hardly had 
Noureddin slain the last, when the remaining five dashed 
toward him in a body. 

The almost exhausted youth saw them coming, and for 
the first time in his life, he felt a thrill of fear; but it w^as 
only for the moment, for, gathering his shield firmly upon 
his arm, and grasping his sword with a firmer grip, he re- 
solved to sell his life at a dear cost. The Nubians were 
Avithin a spear’s length of the youth, when from the other 
side came the Arab leader, followed by six of his men. His 
sword was in the air, and Noureddin’s head was its aim. 
Suddenly the Arab’s flashing eyes caught the upturned fea- 
tures of the young Petran leader, and on the instant the 
course of his weapon was changed, and the headmost 
Nubian fell beneath its descending stroke. 

Hold!” shouted the stalwart Arab, as he dashed in be- 
tween Noureddin and the Nubians. ^‘Here are your vic- 
tims!” 

And as he spoke another of the now petrified Nubians 
tumbled from his horse from the blow of his heavy sword. 

Like the young vulture pounces upon the prey which 
its mother has pointed out, darted the Arabs upon the re- 


102 


THE KING'S TALISMAN 


maining Nubians, and ere the youth fully realized what 
had taken place, the last of his intended murderers had 
fallen into that sleep which knows no earthly waking. 
Every sword-point was dropped, and every eye was turned 
upon the Arab leader. 

‘‘ Pardon, noble youth,^^ cried the Arab, removing his 
tasseled cap from his brow. These dastard Nubians hired 
me to assist them in protecting their train against the de- 
signs of one who had turned traitor; but in God’s truth I 
knew you not till my steel had well-nigh found your life.” 

^^Marmiell” exclaimed Noureddin, as he recognized the 
features of one whom he well knew, I rather owe you 
thanks than pardon.” 

Well, be that as it may, suit yourself,” returned the 
Arab, placing his cap once more upon his brow. But I 
would have sooner stricken my right hand from its wrist 
than to have raised that hand against the preserver of my 
life.” 

Noureddin extended his hand to his new-found friend, 
and was not a little pleased when Marmiel told him that he 
and his band would accompany him to within an hour’s 
journey of Petra. While the Arab was regulating his men, 

- the youth hastened to the pavilion. As he came up to the 
entrance, Selina received him with a look of the deepest 
gratitude, and wiping the tears from her eyes, she mur- 
mured: 

^MVe are safe — we are safe; and to you, my best of 
friends, I owe it all. Oh, God grant that I may be able 
yet to repay thee!” 

Kepay me? Say not that, dear Selina, for you have 
already spoken that which is worth even life itself. But we 
are safe, and we need fear no more danger. The Arab leader 
is one whom I once found perishing, on the rugged side 
of Mount Hor, from the effects of a fall he had received in 
chasing an antelope. I assisted him to the cave of my old 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


103 


tutor, and there I nursed him till he recovered. My kind- 
ness is now returned. 

So may it ever be,” Selina uttered, and with a smile 
struggling through her fast dispersing fears, she received 
her preserver’s thanks. 

Twelve of the Egyptian eunuchs were left, with no wound 
of consequence, to follow the youth, while only four of the 
Arabs had fallen in the conflict, the principal offensive at- 
tack of Noureddin’s party having been aimed against the 
Nubians. Molech was unharmed, and with his assistance 
the camels were got back into the path, the train again ar- 
ranged, and with a thankful heart Noureddin once more 
started on his way. 


4 


104 


THE KING^S TALISMAN, 


CHAPTER XIV. 

THE COUNSELOR ONCE MORE IN THE TRAP. 

Though the king of Petra was invested with absolute 
power over the affairs of his realm, yet there were two men 
in his kingdom with whom he feared to come in civil con- 
tact. These were Moran and V«^orus, the two censors of 
the people. At first they had been elected by the citizens 
as overseers of the public morals only, but gradually they 
became arbiters in petty suits of individual rights, and at 
length, by a common consent among the people, matters of 
a graver import, not involving any state affairs were left 
to their decision, until they had actually become the dis- 
pensers of common justice in the city. At first Modad had 
looked with satisfaction upon the growing duties of the two 
censors, for it removed considerable weight from his own 
shoulders, and he was not troubled with those small affairs 
which his predecessor had always attended to in person; but 
he saw not, however, how much power he was gradually los- 
ing— he saw not, until the thing had gone too far for 
remedy, how much he was slowly, but surely, losing the 
respect of his subjects. At the time of which we write, 
Modad knew little of the affairs of the citizens, excepting 
that they paid their taxes regularly, and that he received 
but little trouble from their presence; but as his own net of 
wickedness began to draw closer about him, he realized how 
much authority he had allowed to slip from his fingers; he 
began to understand that a monarch's throne is firm and 
stable only when it is sustained by the affections of the peo- 
ple, and he knew full well that he possessed but little, if 
any, of that requisite; but still Modad had determined upon 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


1C5 


his course. He was resolved to pursue his way with im- 
punity, and to accomplish the destruction of all who might 
stand in his path. But little dreamed the monarch of the 
power that was working against him, though, in fact, he 
feared much. 

At about a stone’s throw from the Petran market-place, 
on the opposite side of the stream that watered the city, 
stood a small stone building, which was now become the 
audience place of the censors. The day had crept far into 
its evening, and one by one, or in small parties, numbers 
of the citizens had been passing in and out for the last hour. 
Upon a stone near the door sat an old woman, habited in a 
coarse gown of reeds, while naught but the long, matted 
hair that fell in gray masses over her shoulders, served as a 
covering of her head. She appeared to take little notice of 
those who passed, but yet she knew full well the character 
of each, for though her head was bent to the ground, yet 
her sharp eye was constantly peering out from beneath the 
mass of hair that hid it. Many of the citizens stopped and 
asked her what she waited for, and some offered her alms; 
but to the former she replied that she only rested her 
wearied limbs, while to the latter she gave a simple word of 
refusal. 

At length a form whose features were almost entirely con- 
cealed from sight by the yellow mantle that was pulled up 
over the head, approached the building with a cautious 
tread. The old woman gave a sudden start, and removing 
the hair further aside from her eye, she eagerly scrutinized 
the enveloped form. She seemed to be satisfied with the 
survey, for no sooner had the object of her interest entered 
the door-way, than she arose from her position and crossed 
over to the bridge, where she again seated herself. 

Meanwhile the individual referred to passed on to the room 
of audience, and took a seat as far removed as possible from 


106 


THE KING^S TALISMAN. 


observation, where he waited patiently until he was left 
alone with the two censors and their official attendants. 

‘‘ Now, sir,’^ said Moran, with a benevolent look that 
always rested upon his features when people sought his 
justice, at the same time casting his eye toward the spot 
where the last comer sat, ^^you may have a hearing.'^ 

The individual thus addressed arose and deliberately 
moved to the door, which he shut and bolted upon the in- 
side. 

‘^Hold there!” exclaimed Moran. ^‘The doors of our 
chamber are never shut against the people.” 

Half a dozen of the censors^ attending officers moved 
quickly from their places and started toward the door, but 
the mysterious stranger waved them back with his hand, 
and turning toward the censors, he said: 

Most noble censors, hold a moment ere you re-open the 
door.” 

As he spoke, he threw the mantle back from his head, 
thus revealing the aged features of the king^s counselor. 

Al-Bassa!” uttered both the censors in a breath, as they 
gazed in wonder upon the old man. 

What has brought thee hither at this season and in this 
guise?” asked Moran. 

Al-Bassa cast his eyes around upon the attendant officers, 
and then said: 

‘‘What I have to say I would communicate to no ears 
but your own.” 

The censors hesitated not in complying with the implied 
wish of the old counselor, for they immediately requested 
their attendants to withdraw, and as soon as they were left 
alone with the old man, the latter said: 

“ I know not, sirs, to whom I shall look for assistance, 
unless it be yourselves, nor do I know of another in whose 
discretion I can trust.” 

“You may surely trust me,” Velorus replied, with a 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


107 


puzzed look; '^but methinks it must be strange business 
that should have brought thee hither/^ 

It is indeed strange/’ Al-Bassa answered, while a shud- 
der passed through his frame. ‘‘ It is no more nor less than 
to ask of you your protection against the king.’^ 

^'Protection against the king?’' iterated the censors, half 
starting from their seats. 

"Yes, noble censors. Within the last twenty-four 
hours — a little later than this on yesterday night — Modad 
attempted my life."' 

" Didst hear that, Velorus?" exclaimed Moran, turning 
to his colleague. "But tell us, Al-Bassa," he continued, 
"what has caused this villainy on the king’s part?’’ 

" I may not now tell thee all,’’ replied the old counselor, 
after a few moments’ hesitation; but this much you may 
know. I refused to do an act of his command which was 
repugnant and wicked, and for that he would have taken 
my life.’’ 

" But he did not attempt this in his palace?" 

"Yes." 

" Then how did you escape?’’ 

" Four of his eunuchs were conveying me to the Augus- 
tan dungeons, when by a suddenly conceived maneuver I 
broke from them and dashed through the window of the 
divan. The fall was greater than I thought, and for some 
time I was entirely senseless. Whether the eunuchs fol- 
lewed me out of the window I know not, but when I came 
to myself, I was in my own dwelling, and a number of my 
servants were standing by me. It seemed that one of the 
night soldiers was passing at the time I leaped forth, and 
instantly recognizing me, he conveyed me to my dwelling. 
But though I am safe for the present, yet that safety may 
not be long, for the king has reason to fear me.’’ 

"So he has reason to fear others,’’ replied Moran, as the 


108 


THE KINCrS TALISMAN, 


old man concluded; and then bending upon Al-Bassa a 
searching look, he continued: 

^MVasit murder that Modad wished thee to perform?” 

Al-Bassa started at the question, but he did not answer 
ere Moran added: 

^‘I have reason for asking this question — a most potent 
reason. Was it not the murder of the old dervise, Abdah 
Nazor, that the king wished thee to do?” 

At this question Al-Bassa hesitated but a moment, for he 
saw that the censor had by some means become possessed of 
more knowledge than he had thought for, and quickly 
clearing away his reserve, he answered: 

Since it appears that you have obtained a clew to what 
I supposed was not even suspected by any one save Modad 
and myself, I may as well tell thee the truth. It was be- 
cause I refused to murder that old man that the monarch 
sought my life.” 

So I thought,” Moran said, while the peculiar expres- 
sion of his countenance grew deeper; ^‘but perhaps that 
was only a pretext of the king’s. If I mistake not, Modad 
had ere that resolved upon your death.” 

Al-Bassa gazed up into the face of the censor in blank 
astonishment. He could not conceive how it was possible 
for them to have become possessed of a knowledge with re- 
gard to himself which must have been even prior to his own 
suspicions, for not until the preceding evening had the 
thought ever entered his mind that his king meditated per- 
sonal harm against himself. Had he suspected such a thing, 
he would have sooner cast off the timid fear that had 
so long marked his old age, and which had been noticed 
by all who knew him. 

You need not be surprised, Al-Bassa,” continued Moran, 

for we know of many things that transpire within the 
royal palace, which perhaps you, even, are ignorant of. 
Velorus and myself have not been idle in our seats, and 


TEE KING'S TALISMAN. 


109 


from the thousand-and-one persons who are weekly flock- 
ing to us, we learn much that might profit even royalty 
itself. The secret of Modad^s trouble we know, and are 
also aware of the circumstances to which that has given 
birth. 

^^Do you know of the loss of — of 

^‘The talisman from the royal treasury, you would say,” 
said Moran, as Al-Bassa hesitated. 

“Then you know all, worthy censors, and can judge of 
my situation. But still I am at a loss to comprehend how 
you learned this. You must have some powerful agency at 
work in your behalf.” 

“Yes, it is powerful,” returned Moran, “but yet I think 
you might guess the source of information.” 

The censor spoke in a curious tone, and after a moment^s 
thought the truth flashed upon the mind of the old man. 
Surely, he knew whom the king feared, and in a half inter- 
rogatory manner he said: 

“Abdah Nazor told you?” 

“ You are right, Al-Bassa. The old dervise has kept us 
informed of all that has transpired, and I assure you that 
we are governed not a little by the information thus gained. 
Since we have had two-thirds of the king’s duty to perform, 
it has been fortunate for us that we have known somewhat 
of his secrets.” 

“But this Abdah Nazor,” uttered the old counselor, 
“who is he that he possesses such secrets?” 

“ Simply an old dervise who has lived among the fast- 
nesses of Mount Hor for many years, and who seems to pos- 
sess a vast amount of knowledge that he takes no pains to 
communicate.” 

“But simple knowledge cannot give a man power over 
the king’s secrets?” 

“ True,” returned Moran; “yet Abdah Nazor possesses 
these secrets, and — I have no fear that you will tattle, Al- 


110 


THE KINH8 TALISMAN. 


Bassa, for I trust you as one already aware of the king^s true 
character and designs/’ 

Speak on, sir,” Al-Bassa quickly answered, as a look of 
anxiety rested upon his features. If there be a man in 
Petra who has a right to know all that can bear upon the 
affairs of the king and his civil government, then I am 
surely the man.” 

believe you,” said Moran, ^^and what I know, you 
shall know. What strange power it is that the old dervise 
possesses, I know not, but sure it is that he has a power over 
the destinies of the kingdom; and though at first the thing 
appeared inconsistent and almost impossible, yet I believe 
now that he has even the king himself under his mysterious 
control, though as yet he has not drawn upon the reins which 
he holds in his hands.” 

^^Do you speak in riddles?” Al-Bassa asked, as he heard 
the censor through, seeming unable to take what he had 
heard as literal. 

^^Not at all,” was Moran’s reply. 

Then Abdah Nazor is, to all intents and purposes, him- 
self a king,’’ thoughtfully remarked the counselor, speaking 
rather to himself than to the men before him. 

I mistake me if he does not at least possess more kingly 
power and qualities,” returned the censor, ^‘and to tell the 
truth, I sometimes think that he is not the old dervise that 
he pretends to be.” 

^^Have you then suspicions?” 

'‘No, for I have nothing to suspect. Suspicion implies 
more than I feel, for the old man has never said aught 
concerning his station; but I think he is yet to appear in 
some different light — how or what, I know not.” 

"And do you think he will exercise the power soon?” 
Al-Bassa asked, in a nervous, anxious manner.” 

"It cannot be a great while.” 

" God grant that it may not,” murmured the counselor; 


THE KING’S TALISMAN. 


Ill 


and while a shade of painful anguish passed over his features, 
he continued: 

Oh, if I had known this, perhaps the heavy blow that 
has fallen upon me might have been averted — my soul might 
have yet dwelt in the light of its earthly heaven. But it is 
past now. My own weakness brought it upon me, and I 
must suffer its sting. 

“ Do not fail in your heart yet, Al-Bassa, for the Khai- 
barite king may yet be brought upon his knees. You see, 
I know all about your trouble, but though I can give you 
no assurance of hope for your child, yet I can advise thee to 
rest as much as possible upon the future. 

Al-Bassa fastened a keen, searching glance upon the cen- 
sor as he spoke, and though in his manner he could per- 
ceive more meaning than was uttered in his words, yet 
he dared not ask a question for fear of betraying emotions 
which he cared not should be seen, for as he stood now be- 
fore the two censors he felt himself to be humbled and de- 
graded. Never before had he realized to what an extent 
he had been guilty in his submission to the baseness of the 
king, nor had he ever before felt the depth of degradation 
to which he had lowered himself, for now he fully realized 
what a hypocritical tyrant he had bent before. Then, too, 
the thought insinuated itself upon his mind, that, had he 
at first rejected the proposal of the king with regard to his 
daughter, and, as was his moral duty, appealed to the peo- 
ple against the wrong, all might have been well with him. 
But his cowardly fear of the threats of a still more cowardly 
king had crushed him down, and his thoughts upon neg- 
lected duties only made him more miserable; so he tried 
to banish them, and looking up into the censors^ faces, he 
said: 

^^What you have told me is indeed strange. When I 
came, I had thought myself the possessor of secrets which 
I feared to tell thee, but I find that I must learn of you. 


112 


THE KINO'S TALISMAN. 


But I hear that there are people without, who probably 
seek admittance; but before I go I would ask for that which 
brought me here — protection from the enmity of the 
king/^ 

For a few moments the two censors conversed together in 
a low tone, and then turning to the old counselor, Moran 
said: 

You will be safe to-night in your own dwelling, and so 
you will be for a long time, for the king dares not send a 
force after you sufficient to drag you to him, as that would 
be the occasion of more publicity than he dares give his 
diabolical acts. Let your trusty servants be set on the 
watch, and rest you in peace until there is real danger. 

Al-Bassa turned to go, but ere he had gone far he hes- 
itated a moment, and turned back. 

'^One question more,^^ said he, ^^and I will leave. In 
what mood are the people toward their king?” 

They know but little of him as a whole; but those who 
do know him bear him a perfect hatred, though, like all 
people who bow before an absolute monarchy, they would 
not dare to oppose him.^^ 

As Al-Bassa received this answer, he turned once more 
toward the door, and was soon in the street, where he found 
some half-dozen of the citizens wishing to gain admittance 
to the audience of the censors. He had forgotten, in the 
whirl of his thoughts, to draw his mantle over his face, 
and the citizens bowed respectfully before him as they 
recognized the old counselor. 

There was a tremulousness in his answer as he returned 
the salute, and blaming himself for his forgetfulness, he 
passed on and carefully hid his features within the folds of 
his outer garment. 

As Al-Bassa passed over the bridge, he found himself to 
be its sole occupant, and stopping for a moment, he leaned 
over the marble wall that guarded its sides, and gazed 


THE KINH8 TALISMAN. 


113 

thoughtfully into the limpid stream beneath. The old 
woman whom we left upon the structure had gone, and save 
here and there, where a solitary pedestrian was wending 
his way homeward, all was still and quiet. The cool, fresh 
breeze swept gracefully over the burning brow of the old 
man, and with a sudden start, as though the thought of his 
present unprotected situation had but just entered his 
mind, he turned from the bridge and hastened toward the 
dwelling. 

With a cautious, but yet hurried step, the counselor pur- 
sued his way, until at length he reached the square within 
which stood the monumental tomb of Dilotus. The place 
was sacred ground, and naught but the footfall of Al-Bassa 
broke its solemn stillness. A bronze railing guarded the 
base of the monument from the tomb of the profane, and 
from within this railing, just as the old man came opposite 
to it, leaped forth a human form. 

^^Hold, thereT^ exclaimed the person who had thus un- 
ceremoniously shown himself. Ere you pass on, I would 
see that face of yours.” 

“Stand back!^^ said Al-Bassa, endeavoring to assume a 
calmness which he did not feel. 

“Not until I see that face of yours, persisted the stran- 
ger, as he laid his hand on the old man’s shoulder. 

“ And what can my face be to you Al-Bassa asked, while 
a fear of some impending evil crept over him. 

“ It may be much — perhaps nothing.” 

“ Then it can be nothing. Let me pass, or it may be 
the worse for thee.” 

As Al-Bassa spoke, he shook off the grasp that was laid 
upon his shoulder, but in so doing he also released the 
mantle from his head, and though the night was only re- 
lieved by the stars, yet the stranger at once recognized the 
pedestrian, for placing his hand quickly back upon the 
old man's shoulder, with a firmer grip than before, he said: 


114 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


Al-Bassa, you are the very man I seek;” and then turn- 
ing to the place from which he had first appeared, he gave 
a low whistle, which soon brought two more men to his 
assistance. 

What means this? Why am I, the king’s counselor, 
thus stopped on my way?” 

^^It is because you are the king’s counselor,” laconically 
replied the man who held him. 

And does the king send for me thus?” asked the coun- 
selor, while he trembled at every joint. 

He has sent for thee, and the sooner he sees your coun- 
tenance, the better he will be pleased.” 

'‘Then tell Modad I will attend him as soon as possible. 
I must first repair to my dwelling; then I will make such 
haste as I can.” 

"’Oh, good counselor, the king has given us directions 
not to put you to that trouble. We will conduct you at 
once to his presense.” 

Al-Bassa’s heart sank within him at this announcement, 
and with all his lately accumulated courage, he found his 
spirits fast drooping before the calamity that now threat- 
ened him. He thought not of resistance against the three 
men who now surrounded him, and without a struggle he suf- 
fered himself to be led away. 

In the next square from that of Dilotus, stood a still 
more splendid column which rose above the remains of the 
lamented Merolboth. Its base was a huge marble mauso- 
leum, elaborately carved with inscriptions and emblems, 
and as Al-Bassa’s eyes fell upon the towering pile, he in- 
stinctively prayed that the spirit of the good departed king 
might come now to his assistance. 

Hardly had the three messengers and their victim ap- 
proached the monument, when a dusky form was seen to 
glide forth from its base and stand in their way. 

As they came near to the strange object which had thus 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


115 


intruded itself in their way, they were stopped short by its 
movement, and a shudder ran through the frame of him 
who appeared to be the chief of the king’s emissaries, as he 
recognized Ossifrage, the old seeress of Petra. 

^‘Hold, a moment!” exclaimed the old woman, as she 
waved her hand toward the advancing party. Have any 
of ye seen the old counselor, Al-Bassa?” 

The old man started as he heard his name thus pro* 
non need, but a strong, hand forced him back, and then 
turning toward the seeress, his captors said; 

Go your way, woman, and if you would find him whom 
ye seek, go ask at his dwelling.” 

“ Al-Bassa is not there,” Ossifrage returned, at the same 
time advancing. ^‘I have seen him once to-night where 
ye followed him yourselves, and now I would see him 
again.” 

Back, old woman. Interrupt not the king’s messen- 
ger's. Back, I say.” 

The king’s messengers are messengers of Satan. I come 
from one more powerful than the king. Now back ye, 
while I look upon the face of him ye lead thus unwillingly 
along.” 

As the old woman spoke, she stalked boldly forward, and 
with a sort of intuitive dread, the three men fell slightly 
back from the way. Ossifrage bent her eyes searchingly 
upon the form of the old man, and then turning to him 
who held him, said: 

I pardon ye for your deception, but now I would take 
that old man myself. Let him go, therefore, and haste ye 
back to your king, and tell him to bide my pleasure.” 

‘^Come, come, old woman,” exclaimed the king’s man. 

I would not strike such as thou, but, by the royal talis- 
man, I tell thee I’ll stand no more of thy prating. 

‘^Ha, ha, ha! The royal talisman!” bitterly laughed the 
seeress, as she shook off the hand that was menacingly laid 


116 


THE KINH8 TALISMAN. 


upon her. Go, dastards, and ask your king if he dares 
swear by that sacred jewel Then changing her tone to a 
deeper meaning, she continued: 

“Go, now, while you may go in peace, for I come not 
upon my errand unprepared.^’ 

Again the leader of the king’s party laid his hand upon 
the woman’s arm, and with a rough push he thrust her 
from the path, while, pulling Al-Bassa with more vigor 
along, he essayed to pass on; but he soon found that he 
had counted without his host, for at a sharp clap from the 
hands of the seeress, half a score of men rushed forth 
from the deep shade of Merolboth’s mausoleum, and in a 
moment more, two of the captors lay stunned upon the 
pavement, while the third fled hastily away toward the 
royal palace. 

For a moment Al-Bassa comprehended not what had 
taken place, but as his scattered senses came back to his aid, 
he found himself surrounded by his own servants, while the 
two prostrate men, who had now recovered from the blows 
which had felled them, regained their feet and fled. 

“How is this? Who has thus rescued me from the lion’s 
jaws?” asked Al-Bassa, as he cast his eyes in wond|!r upon 
the strange woman before him. He knew that he was 
rescued, for his most trusty servants were gathered about 
him. 

“ One has rescued thee,” replied Ossifrage, “ tV'ho will 
yet protect thee. I watched thy steps as you entered the 
temple of the censors, and I marked the three men who 
followed thee. 1 knew them for Modad’s servants, and 
hastening to thy house I secured assistance in season. But 
you must not go back to thy dwelling, for there is no 
safety for thee there at present. Let your servants go back 
and protect your property, while you follow me.” 

Al-Bassa gazed upon the old woman with marked wonder, 
and for the moment he seemed puzzled how to act. 


THE KINHS TALISMAK 


117 


What assurance have 1 ” asked he, ‘^that I shall be safe 
with you?” 

I come from one who is able to protect you, and if you 
follow me, you will be safe.” 

Who is he?'^ 

Abdah Nazor.” 

Al-Bassa started as he heard that name, and as the con- 
versation of the censors came back to his mind, he bade the 
woman lead the way, and then directing his servants to look 
well to his house, he followed his mysterious guide. 


118 


TEE KINE8 TALISMAN. 


CHAPTER XV. 

A SUDDEN AND FEARFUL SUSPICION. 

Monarchs are never more happy than are their subjects, 
and fortunate indeed is the kingly ruler who is not more 
miserable; but it would be difficult to imagine the fearful 
agitation that went burning and searing through the soul 
of Modad, when his messengers returned and informed him 
of the escape of Al-Bassa. At first he raved at his own mis- 
fortune — then he raved at his three discomfited servants, 
and for a moment he threatened them with the death which 
the counselor had escaped; but a little more reason showed 
him that they were not to blame for the mishap, and, more- 
over, that his safest course was to keep as many of his trusty 
servants as possible. 

^^Ossifrage, you say this woman’s name is?” uttered the 
king, as he at length gained sufficient calmness to speak. 

Yes, sire.” 

And do you know where she resides?” 

Very nearly, sire. It is somewhere in the old river pass.” 

A fitting abode, truly. She shall be seen to anon,” ut- 
tered the king. “ If that be her hole, we will hunt her out. 
Do you know, Ahab, where Al-Bassa had been?” 

'^Yes, sire. We followed him to the temple of the cen- 
sors, where he staid a full hour.” 

^^Are you sure he had been with the censors?” asked 
Modad, turning pale and stopping short in the uneasy, 
nervous walk he had been keeping up. 

Yes, your majesty.” 

Perhaps,” the king uttered, while a gleam of momentary 
relief shot athwart his troubled features, he went merely 


THE KING'S TALISMAN, 


119 


to hear the censors dispense justice. There must have been 
others there beside himself?” 

“ No, sire,” returned. Ahab, instinctively drawing back 
a step — for he saw that the king had entertained a hope 
which his answer would dash to the ground. ^^Al-Bassa 
was alone with the censors.” 

‘‘How know you that, sirrah?” 

“ Because the doors were locked." 

“ Didst try them?” 

“No, sire; but a number of the citizens gathered upon 
the pavement in front of the building, who could not gain 
admittance until Al-Bassa came out.” 

“ And he came out alone?” 

“I think he did. We were on the other side of the 
bridge when he came forth, and started immediately on, 
but yet I think he was alone.” 

“ Think! Could you not swear to it?” 

“Yes, sire.” 

During the space of a minute the monarch walked to and 
fro in his apartment, with his hands clutched tightly, and 
his eyes bent upon the carpet. A train of fierce thoughts 
seemed to be whirling through his brain, while a consuming 
fire raged in his bosom. At length he stopped, and turn- 
ing quickly upon Ahab, he said, with startling energy: 

“You say the doors of the censors^ temple were locked?” 

“Yes, sire,” returned the man, trembling at the king^s 
manner. 

“And that they were thus locked for a full hour?” 

“I did.” 

“And that my minister — Al-Bassa — held secret converse 
with them?” 

“I think he did.” 

“ Think! sirrah? Can you not swear to what your ow^ 
eyes have seen?’ 

“ Yes, your majesty — I can sw^^r to that/' 


120 


THE Kim’ 8 TALISMAN. 


well/^ muttered Modad to himself, as he started 
again on his pacing walk, but with more calmness than 
before. “I am well pleased that this thing has hap- 
pened, for I like not' the power which these same censors are 
assuming, though there was no need that Al-Bassa should 
have escaped.^’ 

As the king gave utterance to this last sentence, the 
shadow deepened upon his brow, but a ray of demoniac 
hope soon followed it, and turning to Ahab, he said: 

^^Dost know where to find Nabal, the centurion?^^ 

I know where his quarters are, sire, but I think he has 
retired to his rest ere this.” 

I care not for that. There can be no rest for the soldier 
while the city is in danger. Go you to the centurion^s house 
and bid him hasten hither with all speed. 

As Modad turned, after his message had gone, he met the 
keen, penetrating glance of one of his mutes. It was noth- 
ing strange that the poor fellow, who was governed only by 
his sight, should sometimes look with more than ordinary 
sharpness, but still the king was startled by that look, and 
had an asp at that moment been drawing its slimy form 
over his sandaled feet, he would not have stopped more sud- 
denly in his way than he did before the glance of his mute. 
A moment he looked upon the speechless slave with a search- 
ing eye, and then, as his hands came significantly together, 
he motioned for the mutes to remain where they were, and 
left the apartment. 

For fifteen minutes the mutes were thus left alone, and 
though at times a sort of inquisitive glance would pass be- 
tween them, yet the same look of stoical indifference that 
generally 'characterized their deportment still rested upon 
their features, and save the gleaming of their brilliant eyes, 
a marble statue might have exhibited almost as much life as 
they did. 

At length the heavy drapery that hung directly behind 


THE KINHS TALISMAN, 


121 


where they stood was moved , noiselessly aside, and the king 
peeped cautiously forth. The slaves’ backs were both to- 
ward him, and with a bolder step Modad stepped forth from 
the arras and stood for a moment in their rear. He Knew 
that he had not been seen, and lifting the drapery up he 
beckoned to some one behind it, and a stout trumpeter 
stepped forth and stood beside the king. As yet the mutes 
had not stirred, and at a sign from Modad the musician 
placed the trumpet to his mouth, and turning its muzzle 
full upon the ear of the suspected mute, he blew a blast 
that made the very walls of the apartment tremble. 

The sound died away, but not a muscle moved in the coun- 
tenance of the poor slave. The same marble stiffness re- 
mained, and the same stoicism dwelt upon his face. The 
trumpeter stepped back from whence he came, and the king 
moved out into the apartment; but though the strange ex- 
periment might have satisfied the most skeptical mind, yet 
the suspicion which had seized upon the king was not easily 
to be removed. Fear gives wings to the wildest of fancies, 
but in the breast of Modad not only the fears had good 
foundations, but even his fancies were not without substance. 
Encompassed as he was by dangers which he could not see, 
and met at every turn by obstacles which he dreamed not 
of, while his most important secrets took wings and fiew 
from him, it is no wonder that the slightest shadow should 
darken upon his soul — it is no wonder that mere feathers 
floating upon the sea of circumstance should appear to his 
distorted imagination like giants of portentous evil. 

Soon after the king had turned from watching the coun- 
tenance of his slave, the centurion for whom he had sent 
entered his presence. 

^^Ah, good Nabal,” Modad exclaimed, his mind turning 
instantly back to its subject of absorbing interest, ^^you are 
in good season. Dost know where dwell the two censors, 
Moran a^d Velorus?” 


122 


THE HINGES TALISMAN, 


Yes, sire,’’ replied the centurion, his countenance at 
the same time betraying the surprise the question had oc- 
casioned. 

Then on the morrow take you a sufficient guard and ar- 
rest both these censors and bring them before me.” 

Moran and Velorus, sire?” 

Yes.” 

Of course your majesty knows what you are doing?” 

^^Dost think me demented?” half angrily exclaimed the 
king, in reply to Nabal’s question. On the morrow the 
censors must both be arrested. You understand me?” 

‘‘I understand the order, sire, and I am ready to obey it; 
but still I would warn thee that those two men may not be 
taken without just grounds.” 

The centurion bowed low as he spoke, and then calmly 
awaited the king’s reply. 

Centurion,” cried Modad, vexed beyond measure at the 
cool manner in which he was thus advised, but yet not giv- 
ing way to the anger that was perceptible in his heaving 
bosom, I would have thee understand that the king of 
Petra dares do what he pleases. Did I choose to take half the 
citizens prisoners, I should do it without a fear. Tell me, 
Nabal,” he continued, growing more excited, and striking 
his hand heavily upon his breast, '^am I to be a king, and 
dare not exercise a king’s authority?” 

You do not understand me, sire,” meekly replied the 
centurion. I meant not that your majesty had not the 
power, but yet you must be aware that the citizens have 
some rights upon which even a king may not trample with 
impunity. The censors are the people’s arbiters, and you 
must blame me not if I tell thee that they are two firmly en- 
shrined within the affections of the citizens to be easily re- 
moved.” 

'^Ha, centurion, thou speakest the truth!” Modad ex- 
olajmedi while txis 6j^es sparkled and fiashed in their mad 


THE KING^S TALISMAH. 


123 


light. These censors have obtained the affections of the 
people — they have insinuated themselves into the confidence 
of my subjects, and now, Nabal, they would use their 
influence against our peace. Let this thing be done openly 
— let it be done boldly. When you take them, proclaim it, 
if you will, that they are traitors — that they are conspira- 
tors! And if a man dares to even look resistance, cut him 
down.” 

Traitors! Conspirators! Moran and Velorus conspire 
against the city!” uttered the centurion, in blank amaze- 
ment. . 

Ay, Nabal, they have been watched, and their temple 
hath been locked against the citizens while they held secret 
converse with one whom I know to be plotting against the 
king. Is not that sufficient reason for their arrest? Go, 
centurion, and bring the censors hither as I have bid- 
den thee. Take this signet, and let it be thine authority 
against all opposition.” 

As the king spoke he drew from his finger a massive 
ring and gave it to the officer. The centurion received 
the token, and as he placed it upon his hand, the monarch 
added: 

Now go, good Nabal, and early on the morrow let me 
see thine errand done.” 

The centurion bowed in token of acquiescence to his mon- 
arch’s command, and then withdrew from the apartment. 
Modad took several turns across the room after his officer 
had gone, and then casting one more look at his mutes, in 
which was a deal of threatening suspicion, he sought his 
rest for the night. 


124 


THE KING'S TALISMAN, 


CHAPTER XVL 

THE SUSPICIOUS HORSEMAH. 

While the king was consulting with the centurion for the 
seizure of the two censors, there was being enacted a scene 
without the city, which, had he known it, might have sunk 
the shaft of fear still deeper in his soul. 

Just at the base of Mount Hor, within half an hour’s ride 
of the Petran pass, a party of horsemen had drawn up their 
somewhat jaded steeds by the side of the Lady Selina’s pa- 
vilion. 

Marrniel rode up to Noureddin’s side, and casting his eyes 
around upon the heavens, he said: 

‘^Noureddin, it must be now near midnight, and from 
hence you must go without me; but if ever you need the 
services of strong arms and willing hearts, if you can but 
hunt up Marrniel and his troop, they will be ready at your 
service.” 

I thank thee, my friend,” Noureddin returned, as he 
extended his hand, ‘^and I believe you speak the truth; but 
I trust I may never have occasion to call for the assistance 
you would extend. Should I, however, chance to need it, 
I might not hesitate to seek you out. Fare the well, Marmie^, 
till we meet again.” 

One boon I would ask ere I go,” said the Arab chief, 
still holding his young friend by the hand. 

'^Name it.” 

I would bid adieu to the Lady Selina.” 

God forbid that you should ask in vain for such a boon. 
Go, Marrniel, and let her thank you for the service you have 
rendered.” 


THE KING'S TALISMAN, 


125 


Selina had pushed aside the curtains of her pavilion, and 
within burned a waxen taper, by the light of which Miriam 
had been drawing some curious hieroglyphics upon a small 
piece of parchment. She had heard the conversation of 
the two men, and she could not repress the shudder that 
crept through her frame as she saw the dusky form of the 
powerful Arab approaching through the gloom. The burn- 
ing taper tl^rew its struggling beams out through the open- 
ing in the tapestry, and Selina anxiously watched for the 
moment when they should reveal the savage features of him 
whom, though he had proved a preserver, she could not 
yet help fearing. 

Fair lady,^^ said Marmiel, as he came near, I am 
about to leave for my mountain home, but ere I go I could 
not resist the temptation of bidding farewell to one whose 
sweet face I may never forget. My introduction to you was 
anything but favorable, but I trust that you have already 
forgiven me for that.^^ 

Selina gazed in rapt wonder upon the features of the 
man who spoke to her. That forbidding, savage expres- 
sion was gone, and in its place there shone such a light 
of natural good feeling and friendship, that she could not 
help blaming herself for the momentary fear she had experi- 
enced. 

I trust I do not intrude,'^ continued the Arab, as he 
marked the hesitation of the maiden. 

^^Oh, no, sir,^^ exclaimed the fair girl, as she frankly took 
the rough, hard hand that had been extended to her. A 
friend such as you have proved, can never intrude. The 
weight of my own gratitude made me silent, and if I fail 
to express my thanks in words, they are nevertheless pure 
and heartfelt. May God bless thee for the part thou hast 
done, and that your future life may be a blessing to your- 
self and to others, will be my earnest prayer. 

** Sweet blossom of innocence and purity, I thank thee 


126 


THE KING'S TALISMAN 


for that/’ the stout Arab exclaimed, while the shade upon 
his features grew softer, and a tear glistened in his bright 
eye, and if the blessings of one like me can affect thee 
aught, then thou hast them without measure^ but I think 
not, lady, that we have met for the last time, for if both 
our lives be spared, we shall yet be together again. There 
is a star in the horizon that is yet to rise and shine with a 
brighter light, and beneath its bright beams we may meet 
once more. Till then I leave thee in God’s arms.” 

As Marmiel spoke, he pressed the maiden’s hand to his 
lips, and then turning quickly away, he reined his horse 
from the place. Selina gazed after his stalwart form as it 
became indistinct in the gloom, and long she rested upon 
the strange words he had spoken. That there was some 
mysterious prophecy in his language she could not doubt, 
and when at length she turned her gaze within the pavilion, 
the gleam that fitfully trembled upon her fair features 
seemed to indicate that she had at least caught a glimpse of 
their meaning, though the cloud that had been thus rent 
was by no means dispelled or lightened. 

The Arab horsemen were drawn up for their departure, 
and as Marmiel found them all in order, he rode up to 
Noureddin’s side once more and grasped him by the hand. 

Fare thee well, my young friend, for the present,” he 
said. ‘^In yonder pavilion you have a jewel worth preserv- 
ing with even life, and the best blessing I wish for thee is 
that thou mayst live to be blessed by her.” 

Marmiel stopped not to hear Noureddin’s reply, but 
placing himself quickly at the head of his men, he waved 
his hand to his followers, and the whole Arab troop were 
ere long lost in the shades of night. The young man fol- 
lowed the departing horsemen till they had disappeared 
from sight, and then calling Molech to his side, he gave 
directions for the moving on of his own train. 

How much farther shall we ride, before you can allow 


THE KINHS TALISMAN. 


127 


US to seek safety in the mountains?’^ asked Molech, as he 
rode up to his leader's side. 

Till we come to the Eblian pass/^ returned Noureddin. 
^^From thence I can direct you to a place of safety, till I 
can come to your assistance.^’ 

^*1 fear we shall forever be excluded from the city, for 
surely we shall not dare again to see the king.^^ 

If it must be so, then let it be,^’ the youth answered. 

You have life, at all events, and that you would not have 
had if the circumstances had not transpired which have 
brought your present situation upon you."'-' 

True,"" returned Molech, but still it will be hard to 
find sustenance among the mountains for any length of 
time."' 

^‘Fear not for that, Molech. There dwells in yonder 
mountain one of whom I have yet to ask counsel. From 
him you shall receive all the assistance you will need.’" 

Molech rode back to his station, and asNoureddin was in 
the act of turning toward the pavilion, his attention was 
arrested by a dark object which seemed to be approaching 
him from ahead. At first, the thought of some new danger 
fiashed through his mind, but as it came nearer he thought 
he recognized one whose motion he knew, and in a moment 
more he leaped from his horse and fell at the feet of Abdah 
Nazor. 

My dear master,” he exclaimed, as he rose to his feet 
and grasped the old man by the hand, God be praised that 
I meet you thus again.” 

And I praise him, my son, that thou art again restored 
to me. I have met thee most opportunely."" 

That you have, good father, but still I am surprised 
that you should be here, for surely you could have had no 
notice of my coming?"’ 

Yes I did, Noureddin.’’ 

And how?"" 


128 


THE KING^S TALISMAN. 


Just at nightfall, from the top of the mountain, I es- 
pied thy troop. At first I doubted that it could be thee, 
but even my old eyes distinguished the pavilion, and I knew 
that you had returned. But who were those horsemen that 
then bore thee company 

Do you remember Marmiel?’^ 

^‘He whom we entertained at our cave?” 

The same man.” 

“ Yes, my son, I remember him well, for even then he 
swore to serve thee.” 

‘‘^Twas he and his party whom you saw,” returned 
Noureddin; and thereupon he related to the old dervise all 
that had transpired since he left, being careful to take as 
little credit upon his own shoulders as possible.- 

For some time after the youth had closed his narrative, 
the old man gazed in silence upon him. Even through 
the darkness Noureddin could seethe look of peculiar pride 
that dwelt upon his features. 

And did you awe the Nubians with fears of your single 
arm ?” 

I know not that they feared my arm,” the young man 
replied; “but openly they did not resist me.” 

“No, they dared not do it, my son. ^Twas in thine eye 
and in thy manner that dwelt the power that awed them. 
And this you did for the safety of one whom you would 
protect?” 

“For the safety of one whom God has placed in my 
charge — for the safety of virtue and innocence — my life 
shall ever be the guard.” 

Abdah Nazor took the hand of his pupil, and in a tone of 
the deepest meaning, he said: 

“Noureddin, you have come forth bright from the fur- 
nace, though in truth I knew not that the coals would be 
heaped so plentifully upon thee; but all this is well, how- 
ever, and I shall now read thy destiny without doubting.” 


THE KING^S TALISMAN. 


129 


The youth had too often asked in vain for a solution of 
the mystery to which his old tutor alone had the key, to 
press the matter now, and so passing on to matters of more 
immediate import, he said: 

One thing, my kind master, you can help me to now. 
I have pledged my faithful Egyptian followers that I would 
see them safe from the power of the king.” 

How many have you left?’^ 

‘^Twelve.” 

Then let them follow us into the city.^’ 

But I have promised that they should not come within 
the power of the king.” 

Neither shall they. I will find them shelter in a place 
where no power of the king’s can find them.” 

^‘Within the city walls?” 

Ay, within the city walls.” 

Then the sooner we enter the better,” Noureddin said, 
seeming to understand that the old man had some safe place 
of concealment marked out. 

The young leader turned to one of the eunuchs and or- 
dered him to lead forwara one of the spare horses, and as 
soon as it was brought the old dervise mounted, and the train 
again set forward. It was somewhat past midnight when 
the party arrived at the entrance of the narrow pass that 
led into the city, and the guard stopped them for ex- 
amination; but Noureddin still held the written commis- 
sion which he had received from the king, and upon pro- 
ducing it he was allowed to pass without further question; 
but before he had started on, while yet the officer was ex- 
amining his commission, a man moved stealthily away from 
the place, and as soon as the darkness had hidden him 
from the view of those behind, he darted swiftly away 
toward the city. No one had noticed his movements, nor 
had Abdah Nazor or his companion the least suspicion that 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


130 

any one had gone in advance of them, and unsuspectingly 
they moved on their way through the pass. 

‘^Harkr^ said Noureddin, in a startled tone, as his train 
had gained a third of the way through the Petran notch. 
^"Do you not hear the sound of a horse s hoofs ahead 
of us?’^ 

Some night-soldier, probably, remarked Abdah Nazor, 
as the distant sound struck upon his ear. 

Then he must be on extraordinary business, for hear 
how furiously he rides. 

As Noureddin spoke, they both listened to the sounds, 
and ere long the deep reverberation died away, and naught 
but an indistinct clattering was heard. 

“ Whoever it is, he has cleared the pass,^' the old man 
said. It may be a spy, but still I see not what clew could 
have been had upon us. But let us push boldly on, for 
even in the hands of Modad himself we have nothing to 
fear.” 

It was fully half an hour ere the party reached the city, 
and when they did so they took the street which led around 
by the northern wall, which they followed till they came to 
a huge building that had been cut out of the solid rock, and 
which was used as a sort of garrison for a squadron of sol- 
diers. They had passed the building, and were about to 
turn off farther to the right, through a sort of natural de- 
file that led through a street of tombs, when the old man's 
attention was arrested by the form of a man just crossing 
the way in front of them. 

^‘How now, strangers? What party is this?” asked the 
individual who had approached. 

Noureddin was upon the point of answering, when 
Abdah Nazor motioned him to be silent, and turning 
toward the stranger, he said: 

‘‘Do I recognize Nabal, the centurion?" 

The stranger came nearer, and seeming for the first time 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


131 


to recognize the old man, he replied, as he cast a furtive 
glance around him: 

You are right, Abdah Nazor; but tell me, what strange’ 
guise is this in which you appear?^' 

“ That is a matter which alone concerns the king,^’ the 
old man answered. Our party is chiefly composed of the 
king’s eunuchs, as you may see for yourself.” 

There is something here I cannot comprehend,” the 
centurion uttered, as he gazed flrst upon the eunuchs and 
then upon the old man and his young companion, for but 
now I met ” 

Nabal hesitated ere he spoke further, and alighting from 
his horse, Abdah Xazor took the centurion on one side, and 
said, in a tone that could be heard by none save them- 
selves: 

'^Tell me what you have to communicate, Nabal, for I 
see by thy manner that thou hast learned of something 
which relates to myself.” 

An officer of the king may not always tell the things 
he knows.” 

Not if he loves an evil king more than he loves a sutfer- 
ing people,” slowly returned the old man, as he bent a calm, 
dignifled look upon the man before him. 

In the truth of the living God, I do not love an evil 
king more than I love the people.” 

'^Then tell me what you know concerning the king’s 
intentions toward me, for well I know by your manner that 
you know something of that which I ask. Perhaps you 
have seen the king to-night?” 

^^Not an hour since, but from him I learned nothing 
concerning you.” 

The king must have urgent business to call thee to his 
presence at such a season as this.” 

^^Ay, and somewhat curious withal,” the centurion re- 
plied; but it is no secret, though, for he bade me proclaim 


132 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


it openly. On the' morrow I am to arrest the two censors 
on the charge of treason.” 

^^Do you speak in good faith, Nahal?^’ 

•‘In truth I do, sir. I bear the king’s signet for that 
purpose.” 

“ And this treason — what is it?” 

“ I know not, except that they have had the doors of the 
temple locked while they held converse with some one 
whom the king declares to have conspired against him.” 

“Ah, Modad, Modad!” exclaimed the old man, raising 
his eyes to heaven, “ how hast thou debased, how dishon- 
ored the mantle which thy sainted brother let fall upon 
thy shoulders; but surely, thy day of reckoning is at hand. 
Even now thy star burns dimly, and with a fitful light 
in the heavens, and soon it shall set to rise no more. 
Set, did I say? No, Modad, thy star shall not set — it shall 
be swept away from the starry track, and its atoms shall 
be annihilated — utterly and forever!” 

The centurion gazed in astonishment upon the features 
of the dervise, to which the night-gloom gave a cast of pe- 
culiar solemnity, but ere he found words for either a ques- 
tion or an answer, Abdah Nazor continued: 

“ But come, good Nabal, I forgot myself. Tell me with- 
out fear what thou hast learned respecting myself, and as 
sure as the one living and true God reigneth, there shall no 
harm come to thee for it.” 

There was a strange power of assurance in the old man’s 
manner, and the centurion seemed to catch its infiuence, for 
without further hesitation, he replied: 

“Then, Abdah Nazor, I will tell thee what I know. The 
king has been on the watch for thee, and a short time since 
one of his spies carried him the information that you were 
eutering the city by the pass. He was too late to intercept 
you there, and so he has sent a strong body of men to form 
an ambush near the old passage of the river, for by some 


TEE KING'S TALISMAN. 


133 


means he has learned that you have been seen to go in there. 
This I learned from an officer who had command of the en- 
terprise, and whom I met on his way thither not ten 
minutes ere I met you. Knowing this, you will not wonder 
that I thought it strange to find you in company, and in 
apparent command of a body of the king’s own eunuchs. 

“That seeming anomaly shall ere long be explained to 
thee, Nabal, and I thank thee for the information thou hast 
given; but I have one more favor to ask.^^ 

“Name it.-’^ 

“ Go you on the morrow and do the king’s bidding, but 
ere you take the censors before him tell them to have no 
fear — tell them to answer all questions boldly and truth- 
fully — tell them that Abdah Nazor knows of their situation, 
and that harm shall not come upon them. Will you tell 
them this?" 

“I will.’’ 

“ Then peace be with thee. The king has closed one path 
against me, but the granite walls of Petra open wide their 
arms in a hundred places to let me in.” 

As the dervise spoke, he returned to his horse and re- 
mounted, at the same time explaining to Noureddin what 
had occurred. The eunuchs were struck with a deadly fear 
at the interruption, and instinctively they gathered about 
their young leader, but he soon reassured them, and once 
more emboldened by hopes of safety, they urged their horses 
onward. Only a few rods were traversed ere Abdah Nazor 
reached another of those huge buildings, or rather excava- 
tions, carved out from the solid rock, before which he bade 
Noureddin stop the train. 

“ You will not stop here,” the young man said, in amaze- 
ment, as he recognized the old temple of Taurus, which 
had been closed by a royal edict for over half a century. 

“Yes, my son. Wait you here while I enter by a private 
way and throw open the doors.” 


134 


THE KING'S TALISMAN, 


The old man alighted from his ' horse, and soon disap- 
petared through a narrow archway which led into the right 
of the temple, and while Noureddin still wondered at the 
event, the heavy brazen doors creaked upon their hinges, 
and in a few moments more the tramp of horses echoed 
through the lofty arches of the place, which had been shut 
to the world for fifty long years. Upon its pedestal of 
porphyry still stood the gigantic golden bull, but upon his 
back was reared the cross! 

^^Here we may rest in peace and safety, my daughter,^' 
said Abdah Nazor, as Noureddin led Selina forward and ex- 
plained to her that the old man was his tutor and guide. 

It is a strange place for our lodging, but it is secure.’^ 

Selina gazed about her, but the single taper which the 
dervise had lighted revealed nothing beyond them save the 
golden bull, which stood like a giant spirit of the race that 
had gone. Poor Miriam caught the beams that were re- 
flected from the gilded god, and the simple, benighted mind 
could see there a deity. She dared not fall upon her knees, 
but clasping her hands, she uttered a silent prayer, and in 
her heart she felt happier. Her soul comprehended not the 
invisible — her mind could dictate no prayer to a power 
which was not made visible to the eye. 

Selina grasped her young preserver by the hand, and led 
him toward the pedestal of Taurus. He followed the direc- 
tion of her eyes, and they rested upon the cross. In a mo- 
ment he comprehended her meaning, and together they 
knelt at the shrine, and poured forth their young hearts’ 
thanksgiving and prayer to their God. 

That prayer, so simple, so heartfelt, offered up at the 
cross which Christianity had reared upon the heathen god, 
might have exorcised forever the last pagan memory that 
clung to the place. 


THE EimS TALISMAN. 


135 


CHAPTER XVII. 

THE MESHES OF THE NET GROW CLOSER. 

On the following morning the king was early astir, and 
ere he was dressed he had received a report from him who 
had been sbnt to intercept Abdah Nazor. 

“And saw you nothing of this old man, Ahab?” 

“'Not even his shadow, sire. But one living soul in the 
streets, save my own party, did my eyes rest upon, and that 
was the centurion whom you sent me for, and whom I over- 
took on his return home.'^ 

“ Mizar,^^ said the king, turning to the servant who had 
brought him the intelligence of the old dervise’s where- 
abouts, “are you sure that it was Abdah Nazor whom you 
saw at the pass?” 

“Yes, sire. I know him well, and I saw his features 
distinctly by the light of the officer’s torch, as he examined 
the party.” 

“Party, said you, Mizar?” 

“I told thee, last night, he had companions.” 

“Ay, I remember now; though thou didst make mention 
of a party, the presence of this old soothsaying traitor 
so absorbed me, that I gave it no note. But what was this 
party?” 

“ Some party of your own, I should say, your majesty, 
for there were a dozen of your own eunuclis.” 

“ And did they enter the pass from the eastward?” 

“Yes, sire.” 

“So soon] so soon!” murmured the king to himself, as 
he turned away from his servants and paced thoughtfully 
across the apartment. “ Ten of them, you said, Mizar?” 


136 


TEE EIN&S TALISMAN, 


Twelve, sire/' 

^‘No — you mistake; there were but ten/' 

I counted twelve of your eunuchs.” 

Twelve!” uttered the king, trembling with a suspicion 
he could not repress. 

am sure, sire — they were twelve of your Egyptians.'^ 
Egyptians!" gasped the monarch, as he caught Mizar 
by the arm, and gazed wildly into his face. ^‘ISTow, by the 
royal diadem, slaves, if thou speakest a lie, or if for the in- 
stant thou triflest, thy head shall feed the eagles on the next 
hour. Speak! Tell me 'twas ten Nubians whom you saw! 
Thine eyes deceived thee, Mizar, I know they did. Pooh, 
pooh! why such suspicions? ^Twas ten Nubians, Mizar?" 

** No, sire,” Mizar returned, in careful, measured accents. 

I counted them, and I marked well their features, from 
my hiding-place, as the torch flashed upon them, and they 
were surely your Egyptians. Bearing them company was 
a youth called Noureddin, whom ” 

Mizar spoke no further, for at that moment the king 
gasped suddenly for breath — his face turned ashy pale, and 
he seized a marble column for support. For a full minute 
he stared at his servant, with eyeballs rolling wildly in their 
sockets — then laying his hand again upon Mizar’s arm, he 
said, in a tone of freezing calmness: 

There were twelve Egyptians? Noureddin led them?” 
So it was, sire — and they bore a pavilion upon four 
camels.” 

Didst see within the pavilion?" 

*‘No, sire; but there burned a candle within it, for I saw 
its beams.” 

Ere the astonished monarch could recover his speech, the 
crimson arras was thrown hastily aside, and a courier, all 
covered with sweat and dust, rushed unbidden into the 
room. 

"'How, now, sirrah?” cried Modad, starting forward and 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


137 


stretching his nervous hand toward the new-comer. Do 
you, too, bear me croakings of ill? Speak 

‘^Last night, sire,^' returned the courier, in hurried, 
frightened accents, ^‘some time after the turn of midnight, 
the heathen temple — the temple of Taurus, was opened 
from within, and horses and camels went in/^ 

Was this seen and not told to me before?” 

A woman, sire, from her house-top, saw it, but from 
her fright jShe dared not move out till daylight.” 

Now, by the holy cross, I do know that open trea- 
son stalks through the kingdom!” the monarch exclaimed, 
as he clutched his hands, and set his teeth firmly together. 

My realm has become the den of conspirators — but by the 
power of the living God, they shall revel no longer!” 

The meanest reptile can be made to turn resolutely in de- 
fense, and so the coward may be wrought up to a point of 
cool desperation. When Xerxes recrossed the Hellespont, 
alone and unattended, in a small fishing-boat, he was not 
entirely down-hearted, nor were his energies all broken, for 
he still had a kingdom, and in Greece he still had an army 
left behind him, and though at home and abroad his enemies 
were strong and subtle, yet he pushed his fortunes in their 
faces. 

So Modad felt, as he now resolved to seize the helm, and 
push boldly through the troubled waters. His every energy 
was strung, and his very fears had made him savage in his 
fierce determination. What sent fright to others was a balm 
to him; the mysterious opening of the heathen temple was 
not strange to his mind, but it assured him that his prey 
was safe, for he knew that those who entered the city at 
night had sought refuge within its walls. Gradually the 
blood returned to its wonted fiow through the monarch’s 
veins, and his step became firm and steady. He paced the 
apartment a dozen times, when the arras was again pushed 
aside, and the centurion entered his presence. 


138 


THE KING'S TALISMAN 


Nabal,” the king exclaimed, ‘^you are prompt. 
Are the censors with you?” 

^^They wait without, sire.” 

I thank thee. Now, centurion, take all thy men, and 
command more, if you have need, and hasten to the temple 
of Taurus. Stare not at me in such surprise, for even that 
heathen pile contains within its bowels a nest of traitors. 
Bring them all hither — all of whom you may find there, and 
at the peril of your life, let not one escape. You will find 
Abdah Nazor, the old mountain dervise; a youth called 
Noureddin; twelve of my own Egyptian eunuchs, and may- 
hap a maiden. But what ails thee, Nabal?” 

^‘Nothing, sire,’^ replied the centurion, who had started 
at the king’s announcement; only I was surprised at the 
strangeness of the circumstance that the temple of Taurus 
should have been opened.” 

So you might well be,” returned Modad, not suspecting 
that the centurion had other cause for his emotions than 
that which he had named. ^^Now go, Nabal, and see that 
you fail not in your mission. Remember, your head shall 
answer for it. As you go out, send the two censors hither, 
with four of the eunuchs who wait without.” 

Then turning to his two household officers, Ahab and 
Mizar, he bade them accompany the centurion, and in a 
few moments more the censors stood before him. The king 
turned his flashing eyes upon them, but the calm, mild 
serenity of their countenances, and the grandeur of the up- 
right soul which shone forth from their mild, beaming eyes, 
startled him more than would have the presence of one like 
himself. 

Worthy censors,” he at length said, with a spice of bit- 
ter irony in his tone, methinks I have caught you playing 
the Roman. There^s treason in your sacred temple!” 

“ We must wait your majesty^s explanation ere we answer 
to such a charge,” calmly replied Moran. 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


139 


Then you shall have it/’ the king answered, highly ex- 
cited at the coolness of the censors. ‘‘You have had the doors 
of your temple locked against the citizens, and that, too, 
while you held converse with my minister." 

“ You speak truly, sire." 

“ Ha! and dost own it, traitors?" 

“ That the temple was locked, and that we held converse 
with Al-Bassa — yes; but ^twas for your sake that the citizens 
were excluded." 

Moran stood with folded arms, and as he spoke, he gazed 
steadily into the face of his monarch. 

Modad started at the remark, for not only the words were 
deep in their meaning, but the manner of him who uttered 
them gave them the clear color of truth. 

“My sake, did you say?" at length, uttered the king. 

“Yes, sire." 

“ Then I am threatened. Then there is a scheme on foot 
against me." 

“No, your majesty. ^Twas Al-Bassa who needed protec- 
tion. The only thing we feared against the king was his 
own conduct, whereby the royal character might suffer re- 
proach. For this we kept the doors fast." 

“ Didst learn from whom the counselor needed protec- 
tion?" asked Modad, while he trembled beneath the steady 
gaze of the men before him. 

“We did, sire." 

“And who was it?" 

“ His king." 

“And you offered him what he sought?" cried the mon- 
arch, giving way to his rage, now that he found Al-Bassa 
had betrayed him. 

“ No, sire — we bade him return to his own dwelling, 
assuring him that you would not dare openly to molest 
him." 


140 


THE EINHS TALISMAN. 


That I should not dare! Did you tell him this?’^ 

^MYe did/^ 

A moment Modad’s bosom heaved, as he looked upon 
the men who thus undauntedly spoke the truth to his 
face; but that moment passed, and with it went the emo- 
tions he had exhibited. His face was as calm as was the 
surface of the marble pillar at his side, and through his 
bluish tinted lips, he hissed: 

^‘Now you shall know how much your king dares to do! 
From hence you go to your prison, and when you come 
forth from thence, it will be to your death! Al-Bassa 
shall follow you soon, and so shall the dervise, whom I 
believe to be at the bottom of the whole. Petra shall know 
that I am her king!” 

^^Modad,” said Velorus, ^^you may send us to our death, 
but thy throne shall tremble beneath the blow that takes 
our lives.” 

^^Away with them, slaves!” the monarch exclaimed. 

Place them in the strongest of th§ northern dungeons, 
and bring me the keys.” 

The eunuchs led the censors away from the king’s pres- 
ence, and as they went, Modad wondered why they were so 
calm and resigned. Little knew he of the assurance those 
two men had received ere they had been brought into his 
presence. He thought they looked thus calmly in view of 
death. 

While the king is waiting for the result of some of his 
undertakings, let us turn once more to the party within the 
temple of Taurus. Abdah Hazor and Noureddin had arisen 
from their hard couches while yet the two girls slept, and 
even the eunuchs, though they were bowed down with 
fatigue, had been aroused by the first movements of their 
young leader. Through the large window that had been 
cut in the rock which formed the roof of the temple, the 
bright beams of morning were shining, and as they lighted 


THE KINHS TALISMAN. 


141 


up the vast interior, with its rows of granite benches, and 
curiously carved columns and reliefs, a peculiar feeling of 
solemn foreboding crept over the young man’s soul. Of 
the future he had ever cared but little, save to live uprightly, 
and walk in the laws of his God during his life, being will- 
ing to leave the result , in the hands of him whom he trusted 
as a father. But now he felt differently. He had entwined 
about his heart a new set of impulses; a second soul had 
identified its earthly destinies with his own, and his own 
life, his own joy and happiness, had become second to that 
of another. He gazed upon the pavilion, wherein slept the 
object of his ardent love, and from thence his eyes wandered 
up to the cross that towered above the bull. The soft light 
that beamed forth upon his handsome features was too in- 
tense, too glowing and earnest for self, and one who had seen 
him, might well have known that his silent prayer was for 
some one who knew not that he prayed. 

Noureddin,” said the old man, as the youth turned 
from the cross, ^^you look sad this morning.” 

^‘Ho, father, not sad; but yet there lies a weight about 
my heart which makes me serious.” 

Ere your head shall wear the silver that glistens upon 
my brow, my son, you will learn that much of life is serious; 
but now you are sad.” 

^‘^Well, perhaps I am,” returned Noureddin; for, to tell 
you the truth, I fear that some harm may yet be in our 
path.” 

^^What, my son, fear?” 

‘^Nay, Abdah Nazor, not for myself — I know no fear 
from earth. It is for one whom I love better than self, that 
I fear.” 

The old man regarded the youth a few moments in silence; 
then turning to where he could command a view of the cliff 
which overhung the temple, he said: 

‘"The sun already gilds the temple peak, and for a 


142 


THE KINHS TALISMAN. 


short time we must leave the girls in charge of Molech 
and his companions, for I have business, of which you 
must be a witness, elsewhere/’ 

Where will you lead me?” 

‘‘To the dwelling of Ali Kinah.” 

“My father! Ah, then, let us go. But Selina to be left 
alone — to leave her ere she wakes?” 

“ She will be safe here. We shall return ere long.” 

Noureddin went to the pavilion, and anxiously listened 
to see if he might not catch a sound that would indicate 
that its tenant was awake; but everything was still, and 
he turned away reluctantly and followed his tutor. Back 
of the altar was a movable slab, and having put this on 
one side, they descended a few steps, into a narrow 
passage which led directly through the rock to a natural 
excavation, w'here the way was only guarded by the abrupt 
turning of the outlet, which gave the appearance of utter 
inaccessibility. From here the way was short to the street, 
and when they had once gained it, they walked quickly 
but boldly on. 

No words were spoken on the way, but ever and anon, as 
Noureddin would raise his eyes to the old man^s face, he 
would almost start at the strange expression which rested 
there. There was a firmness — a sort of iron-willed deter- 
mination, and yet a sea of anxious, nervous thought seemed 
sweeping over it. His lips moved, but they were noiseless; 
his hands were in expressive motion, but they pointed to no 
definite object, and until they reached the dwelling of the 
corn-seller, Abdah Nazor remained in the same state of ex- 
cited reverie. Ali Kinah had not yet opened his stalls, and 
as the old man and the youth entered the house, he rushed 
forward and caught him in his arms. 

Oh, my son, my son!” he uttered, as he pressed the youth 
to his bosom, “ thanks be to God, that I am once more per- 
mitted to look upon thy manly form.” 


THE KING'S TALISMAN, 


143 


I told thee thou shouldst see him again/' said the der- 

vise. 

'^So thou didst, good Abdah Nazor, and all blessings be 
upon thy head, for the peace which thine assurance has 
given me." 

For some time the corn-seller and the youth exchanged 
those mutual congratulations which might be expected 
be'tween the father and child, but at length Abdah Nazor 
stepped forward, and laying his hand upon Ali Kinah’s 
arm, hesaid: 

Now we must dispatch a business which I would see the 
end of. Set aside your congratulations, Ali Kinah, and 
lend an ear to something of more import. I have come to 
take back a treasure which years ago I intrusted to thy 
keeping." 

A treasure! Intrusted to me! You intrusted to me!" 
exclaimed the corn-seller, gazing into the old man's face, 
to see if he spoke in earnest. 

Yes, Ali, you were intrusted with it. To-day I must 
demand it back." 

Do not trifle with me," Ali uttered. Surely you never 
would wish to make me appear dishonest, by demanding of 
me that which I never received?" 

God forbid that I should trifle thus," Abdah Nazor re- 
turned. No, I speak in good faith, my friend." 

Noureddin gazed in astonishment, flrst upon one, and 
then upon the other, of the speakers, and at length he said 
to his old tutor: 

Perhaps my father has forgotten." 

‘^No, no, my son, he could not have forgotten that." 

^^Then I pray you, tell me what you mean," cried Ali 
Kinah. 

Dost not remember a woman, who, years ago, left with 
thee a certain treasure, which thou promised to keep in 
safety?" 


144 


THE KING’S TALISMAN. 


A woman! Years ago! Surely I 

Suddenly All Kinah stopped, and turned pale. He 
trembled at every joint, and looked imploringly into the 
dervise’s face. 

You remember it now?’^ Abdah Nazor said. 

know what I think; but that cannot be the truth. 
No, no, I do not yet comprehend you/’ 

“ Yes, you do, Ali. I know by your manner you have 
guessed the truth.” 

But that woman is dead, and surely no power can claim 
the treasure now.” 

Father,” uttered Noureddin, in a trembling tone, as he 
placed his hand upon Ali Kinah’s arm, ^^you have not used 
that which was deposited with you in trust?” 

No, my boy. That which was placed in my hands I 
have multiplied, by twice ten thousand; but she who gave it 
me has gone from earth.” 

‘^She lives, Ali,” the dervise said. '^The old woman of 
the cave — Ossifrage — is she who gave you the trust, and she 
acted for me. That treasure was mine — mine, Ali, and 
now I must have it back again.” 

Then Abdah Nazor turned to Noureddin, who stood ut- 
terly astounded at what he had heard, and said: 

Wait you here, a few moments, my son, while I speak 
with your father apart.” 

Ali Kinah followed the old man from the room with a 
trembling step, and Noureddin was left in a state of sus- 
pense not easily described. What he had heard had com- 
pletely bound up his reasoning faculties, and attempting to 
fathom the mystery was like a night-lost traveler in a bog, 
where every attempt at extrication was sure to lead into 
deeper trouble. At first he had feared for his father’s 
honesty, but Ali Kinah’s manner had dispelled that doubt, 
and of nothing else could he conceive, save that his parent 
dared not deliver up the trust to Abdah Nazor which he had 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


145 


received from another. But then why should there be such 
deep emotions — such fearful agitation?’^ 

ril think no more/^ murmured Noureddin to himself, 
as he found that he was completely wound up in the in- 
tricacies of his own surmises, and thus murmuring, he sank 
back upon a stool, and awaited their return. 


146 


THE KING^S TALISMAN, 


CHAPTER XVIIL 

AK ASTOUNDING DEVELOPMENT. 

Noureddin at length heard the footsteps of the returning 
men, and anxiously he watched for the first expression he 
might catch upon the countenance of his father. That ex- 
pression, when he saw it, was strange and curious. All 
shades of surprise had gone — there was no more of nervous 
anxiety, no more of uncomprehending wonder; but Ali 
Kinah’s features were calm and tranquil, and a soft glow of 
pleasing melancholy waved in gentle shadows over his face. 
A moment after he re-entered the apartment the corn-seller 
looked in a sort of abstracted silence upon the youth — then 
stepping forward, he took his hand within his own, and im- 
printing a kiss upon the head of the child, he said: 

My child, I have now a duty to perform which I had 
humbly hoped might never come to pass, but in the 
providence of God are all things, and in gratitude I bow to 
His will.^^ 

^^You speak right, father,” returned hToureddin, look- 
ing up with wonder into the face of Ali Kinah. Let 
us ever so live that we can cherish naught but gratitude in 
our souls.” 

^‘So I have ever eudeavored, Noureddin, and so I have 
ever endeavored to teach thee. But listen, my child, while 
I explain to thee what must have already cost thee much 
anxiety.” 

The youth listened, and Ali Kinah continued: 

Many years ago, ere my wife was taken from me, as I 
sat in my door-way one evening, after the business of the 


THE KINQS TALISMAN. 


147 


day had been closed, I was accosted by an elderly woman, 
who bore in her arms an infant. She begged shelter for 
the night, and what I never refused to a human being, I 
readily granted. She spent the night beneath my roof, and 
in the morning she broke bread with me. After the morn- 
ing meal was concluded, she remained some time in earn- 
est conversation with myself and wife, upon religious and 
moral subjects, her chief aim seeming to be to ascertain if 
we joined with her in accepting the child of Bethlehem as 
the Messiah. She seemed to have studied deeply into the 
matters of which she spoke, and at length, apparently satis- 
fied with the result of her investigations, she asked us if we 
would, for a certain sum, take charge of the infant which 
she carried, at the same time explaining that she was alone 
in the world, and utterly unable to give the child such edu- 
cation as was meet. She told me that the child was of 
honest birth, and urged upon me the charge. I looked 
upon the face of the infant, and as it stretched forth its little 
hands toward me and smiled, my heart was warmed with a 
father’s love, and having long desired a child to relieve the 
monotony of my home, I joyfully promised to take upon 
myself the charge, but I refused the money. The woman, 
however, would listen to no refusal of that kind, and when 
she rose to depart, she prayed of me to be an honest, up- 
right, loving father to her child — then she imprinted a kiss 
upon its fair brow, and uttering a short prayer to God, she 
laid a well-filled purse in my lap, and hastily left my 
dwelling. She came afterward, but only at distant periods, 
until at last she ceased her visits altogether. The purse 
contained three hundred pieces of gold, but for nearly 
four years I touched not a mite of it; then, finding that 
it was not called for, I began to use it for the child’s educa- 
tion. At length Abdah Nazor presented himself one day at 
my house, after the child had begun to gather strength, and 
offered to take charge of its education, and knowing the old 


148 


THE KING'S TALISMAN 


man’s wisdom, I readily consented; but until the present 
time, I never knew that the old dervise was aware of the 
child’s true origin, and now that I have learned that he is, 

I have also learned that the charge, which for eighteen long 
years has been to me a source of the most exquisite pleasure, 
must be resigned to one who holds a prior claim/^ 

As Ali Kinah spoke, he took the hand of the wonder- 
stricken youth, and while a tear trembled upon his lids, he 
continued: 

Noureddin, you are the child of whom I have spoken. 
God knows that I have endeavored to do my duty truly and 
faithfully, and in after years, whether your life shall be cast 
in fortune or misfortune, I shall feel that from me you have 
received naught but an honest and upright example. 

My father — you are still a father unto me — ” cried 
Noureddin, as he clasped the old man in his arms, ^^you 
have been all that a parent could be, and from my heart, 
God shall ever receive prayers in your behalf.^’ 

‘^I thank you, Noureddin, and, hoping that you will 
never forget him whose fortune it was to guide thine infant 
steps, I now resign you to him who has the right to claim 
you. He has already proved himself the donor of more than 
I could ever have bestowed.’^ 

As the corn-seller closed, he placed the hand of the youth 
into that of Abdah Nazor, and then turned away and wept. 
There was no sorrow in those tears, nor yet was there aught 
of disappointment, but they rather seemed the outpouring 
of a generous heart which was willingly and most joyfully 
offering up the soul’s holiest sacrifice. 

Noureddin gazed first upon Abdah Nazor, and then upon 
the man whom, until the present moment, he had believed 
to be his natural father. 

Then you,” he said, turning his gaze upon the dervise, 
^^are my father?” 

Thou art, indeed, my child, Noureddin, though Ali 


THE KINGS TALISMAN. 


149 


has proved himself as much a father as I, and to him let 
your heart ever go forth in filial love/^ 

Ali Kinah cast a grateful look upon the speaker, and 
pressing the youth once more to his bosom, he dried away 
his tears and then bade his visitors godspeed on their mis- 
sion. Abdah Nazor took the young man by the hand, and 
promising that their host should see them again ere long, 
they turned from the humble dwelling, and were soon re- 
tracing their steps back from whence they came. 

^VWhy,^^ asked Noureddin, as they walked along, ^^have 
I been kept so long in ignorance of this matter?’’ 

Would its knowledge have made thee happier or better?” 
the old man returned, gazing with unwonted interest upon 
his companion. 

No, for all has been done that was possible for both, 
but yet the knowledge of my own birth should surely belong 
to me.” 

^^Ay, Noureddin, perhaps it should; but I had a great 
reason for retaining it a secret, which, when you know it, 
you will not blame me for so keeping,” 

The young man was upon the point of a reply when an 
exclamation of startled anguish broke from his lips, and an 
ashy paleness overspread his features. He was outside of his 
companion, and his eye had been the first to catch the 
glimpse of a dense crowd which was collected around the 
doors of the temple. 

Great God!” he cried, seizing the old man by the arm, 
they have broken open the temple! See — see how they 
sway to and fro. Oh, if the coward king has seized again 
upon his innocent helpless victim, this arm shall not rest 
till he pay the forfeit, and as there is a God in heaven, his 
life shall be the penalty if mine angel be harmed!” 

^‘Easy, my son. It cannot be that they have found out 
the maiden.” 

^^Then why that crowd? I tell thee, Abdah Nazor, they 


150 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


have found her! Oh, God! and I was not there to protect 
her/^ 

The old man’s brow darkened, and in a tone of strange 
calmness, he said: 

‘^My son, it is even as you say. They have most surely 
found the party we left within the temple, but how, I am 
unable to conceive.” 

As they drew nearer to the scene they found the crowd 
dense and excited. A thousand rumors were afloat with re- 
gard to the events that had happened, but one thing 
seemed to be generally understood: A force of soldiers had 
entered by the king s orders, and taken therefrom several 
black men, besides two ladies, and a number of horses and 
camels. 

Abdah Nazor,” said some one from the crowd, stepping 
quickly forward and laying his hand upon the old man’s 
arm, ^‘you are not safe here, and your young companion, if 
he be Noureddin, had better seek immediate safety. The 
king has ordered your arrest.” 

But the temple,” quickly exclaimed the youth, heed- 
ing not the admonition thus given; ‘^what know you of 
that?” 

Not half an hour since, Nabal, the centurion, brought 
his men hither and broke open the doors in the king’s name, 
and took therefrom twelve Egyptian eunuchs, two girls, and 
a number of horses and laden camels.” 

Then Nabal has been the traitor,” said Abdah Nazor, 
in a tone of bitter disappointment. 

No — he could not help what he did,” replied he who 
came from the crowd. ‘^A woman from yonder house-top 
saw them when they entered, and she spread the intelli- 
gence.” 

Then let us at once to the royal palace!” cried Noured- 
din, in an excited, frenzied manner, as he half drew his 
sword from its sheath. 


THE EINH3 TALISMAN. 


151 


yet, not yet, my son,^^ Abdali Nazor returned. 

There is yet time for that.^^ 

Hardly had the old man spoken, when there was a quick 
movement in the crowd near him, and a loud voice ex- 
claimed: 

Seize him! Seize him! In the king’s name be it done!” 
and in a moment more a stout soldier sprang forward and 
caught the dervise by the wrist. 

Abdah Nazor shook off the hand that was laid upon him 
with a strength that few would have thought him possessed 
of, and raising his voice he cried, while a dozen more sol- 
diers pressed hard upon him: 

Citizens of Petra, will you stand by and see my gray 
hairs brought down in disgrace? Will you bow your necks 
willingly to a yoke which the coward tyrant would fasten 

upon you ? Back, soldier — back, I say, or it may be the 

worse for thee.” 

The officers and soldiers of the king had surrounded the 
old man, and some half-dozen had set upon Noureddin, 
of whom they had thought to make an easy capture, but in 
this they were mistaken, for the youth's sword flew from its 
scabbard, and with a look of defiance and determination 
that made his assailants start back, he raised his weapon, 
and stood his ground. 

Touch me not,” he cried, bending his flashing eyes 
sternly upon those before him. ‘‘1 myself will see the king 
in a moment when he desires it not. I am a citizen, and I 
will maintain a citizen’s right.” 

The manner of the two men had by this time drawn the 
eager crowd more closely about them, and the soldiers had 
begun to tremble for their own safety, but still they kept 
their positions around the proscribed men, and watched 
their opportunity for seizing them and making their way 
through the crowd. 

'^Citizens of Petra,” again exclaimed Abdah Nazor, in a 


152 


THE KIN&8 TALIS3fAK 


voice that stilled all other sounds, save the swaying to and 
fro of the multitude, listen to me. The Petran censors, 
Moran and Velorus, have been this very morning seized by 
order of your king, and even now they lay chained in the 
dungeons of the royal palace. Tho good old counselor, Al- 
Bassa, has hid himself away from Modad^s tyrann}^, and she 
whom you saw but now taken from yonder temple was that 
old man’s only child. She had taken refuge there from a 
shame, worse than death, to w’hich your monarch had con- 
signed her; and this youth, whom you see by my side, is 
doomed because he would have rescued her — and I — I, am 
doomed because I dare to be a friend of the people. Now 
who shall triumph — the people in their might, or the king 
in his tyranny?” 

A moment after the old man had ceased, all was as 
silent as the wind-swept grave, but on the next a gentle 
murmur, like the whisperings of the coming tempest, trem- 
bled upon the air, and anon it burst into one loud, pro- 
longed shout of — 

‘ To the rescue! To the rescue! 

The names of Moran and Velorus were sounded from a 
hundred lips, while a thousand hearts beat with the 
sentiments they dared not utter. The soldiers knew the 
meaning of that sound, and they knew the stout hearts 
that had been raised to rebellion against the execution of 
the order that was entrusted to them. They felt the pres- 
sure of the sea of humanity that rolled in at their backs, 
and they heard the heavy, eager breathing of those who 
were coming on to the rescue. They were but men, and 
they turned, trembling, away from the work which they 
dared not do. 

The crowd still pressed on toward the spot where stood 
the old man and his youthful companion, and one, an old 
man, who had in years gone by fought for his country, raised 
his cap, and was on the point of addressing Abdah Nazor, 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


153 


when his eye fell upon the youth. The moment he saw 
that noble form, and those varying, speaking features, he 
stopped suddenly as though he had seen a specter. Nou- 
reddin still held his unsheathed sword in his hand, but notic- 
ing the stranger^s perturbation, he replaced it in his scab- 
bard, saying as he did so: 

Start not, good sire, I only meant my trusty steel for 
protection.-’^ 

That voice, too!^^ murmured the aged soldier, still gaz- 
ing, almost entranced, upon the youth. 

‘^Baal Hernon,^^ spoke the dervise, ‘^let us disperse the 
crowd, for I would be on my way elsewhere.” 

But that youth,” uttered the old soldier, hardly com- 
prehending what Abdah Nazor had said, who is he?” 

‘^Mine, Baal Hernon— mine. Heaven gave him to me 
in trust. Be you satisfied with that for the present.” 
Then turning to the people, he cried: 

^‘Now, good citizens, let us to our homes. You have 
done me a service for which I will ere long repay you ten- 
fold. Go peaceably away, and let your business demand 
your attention, for remember, you are yet citizens.” 

^^The censors! The censors!” came from a hundred 
voices. ^AVe want them for the city!” 

‘^And you shall have them,” exclaimed the venerable der- 
vise. ^‘They shall again move among you unharmed, and 
you shall fear no more. I promise it by my hopes of im- 
mortality.” 

A hundred different shouts mingled confusedly together 
in the air. ^^The king,” ‘^Al-Bassa,” Abdah Nazor,” 
and ^^the censors, ” were upon the lips of the people, while a 
cloud of caps and crimson scarfs waved above their heads. 
Gradually the crowd began to break — the sea of human 
beings swept off into waves, and each rolled away into the 
city; but yet a considerable number remained fixed upon 


154 


THE KIN&S TALISMAK 


the spot, nor would they move till they had seen Abdah 
Nazor and his companion safely off. 

“ Come, Noureddin,'^ the old man said, as he took the 
youth by the arm, let us on our way." 

But where?" Noureddin asked, as he instinctively cast 
his eyes back upon the temple, where, but a short time 
before, he had left his heart with her to whom he had 
given it. 

Where?" iterated the dervise. First we must seek our 
mountain home, for there begins the work we have to do." 

And leave Selina to the will of the tyrant?" 

Leave that with me for the present. I would rather 
she were in the cave with Ossifrage, but yet you have naught 
to fear. Her father is safe with the woman, nor can the 
king rout him. But come, my son, moments are hours 
with us." 

^^But where will you seek egress? The ways are all 
guarded." 

Not all, Houreddin. From the very walls of the royal 
palace there opens a way to the mountain which none now 
living save myself ever threaded. Ere another moon shall 
show its round face on the earth, you shall know of things 
which shall open the fountain of astonishment wide in your 
bosom. Come, our way lies through the dungeons of the 
palace." 

Noureddin looked upon the man w’ho had been his pre- 
ceptor from childhood, with a degree of amazement that had 
never before possessed him. He had heard the old man 
read from tomes of knowledge which were hidden to the 
great mass of humanity, and he had seen him compute the 
mysteries of the evolutions of the heavenly hosts, but now 
he was diving deep into mysteries of a more startling char- 
acter — mysteries which lay upon the verge of immediate 
affairs, and which comprehended the weal and woe of 
thousands. With such thoughts busy in his brain, he 


THE EIN&S TALISMAN. 


155 


silently followed the way of him who had a right to guide 
him. 

CHAPTER XIX. 

SELIl^A^S INTERVIEW WITH THE KING. 

Within an apartment of the royal palace sat Selina and 
her faithful attendant. The former had been weeping most 
bitterly, but upon the calm features of the latter there were 
no traces of tears. Miriam was calm and composed, and in 
the honest simplicity of her heart she vainly endeavored to 
impart to her mistress a spark of the flame that burned 
within herself; but the heart she sought to mold in resig- 
nation w^as too fearfully crushed — too bruised and lacerated 
to rise from its utter darkness, and she only answered her 
companion’s importunities by deeper and more hysterical 
sobs. 

Miriam had ceased her efforts at consolation, and sat with 
her kindly beaming eyes turned mournfully upon her mis- 
tress, while the latter gazed vacantly upon the curiously 
wrought figures that seemed almost starting to life from the 
surface of the carpet. The heavy hangings of crimson and 
gold that guarded the private entrance to the room were 
thrust aside, and the king stepped into the girls’ presence. 
His face was pale and haggard, his lips were livid in their 
fierce compression, his heavy chest was heaving like the 
swelling sea, and from his eyes flashed a maniacal fire of 
mad delirium. A moment he gazed upon the two girls, 
and while they shrank cowering from his forbidding look, 
he said: 

Daughter of Al-Bassa dost comprehend that a king hath 
revenge within his power?” 

Selina did not start at the words she heard, but she turned 
her gaze upon the speaker as does the dying stag upon its 


156 


THE KING’S TALISMAN. 


destroyer. That look asked not sympathy — it asked not 
kindness — it only begged for pity. 

Lady/^ continued the king, thy father dies. Thou hast 
consigned him to his death. As soon as your eyes have 
beheld his cold corpse, you shall go to Khaibar. Didst think 
you could come back to my very sight and not bring down 
the doom I had threatened?” 

“But my father is not to blame,” cried Selina, more 
startled by the fear of her parentis safety than of her own. 
“ Surely you will not seek revenge upon a poor old man be- 
cause his child has dared to preserve her innocence?’^ 

“ A poor old man, did you say? Better have said a gray- 
headed traitor! Lady, Petra swarms with traitors. To-day 
— not an hour since, when I did send a force to bring me 
Abdah Nazor and Noureddin, the people — ay, the people! 
rebelled against my power, and rescued the miscreants from 
my officers!^ 

“Thank God!” broke instinctively from Selina's lips; 
“Noureddin is safe from the tyrant’s power.” 

“Aha,” muttered the monarch, as a demoniacal smile 
curled like an adder around his lips; “ so there lies the trea- 
son. Your pretty face has captivated the youth from his 
loyalty. Then there is sweet revenge in store. His head, 
too, thou shalt see in a charger; it shall be brought thee 
for thy parting gift!” 

The maiden shrank away from the monster before her 
with a fearful loathing, and laid her hand upon her atten- 
dants shoulder. Until the present moment Miriam had re- 
garded the monarch as she would have looked upon a 
poisonous, creeping reptile; but when she saw her lady^s 
grief — when she heard the inhuman threats of the mad king 
her eyes flashed, and turning her gaze upon the fair brow 
that had pillowed itself upon her, she exclaimed: 

“Let not your heart so grieve, dear lady, for you have 
often told me that the God in whom you trust was a just 


THE KING'S 1ALI8MAN. 


157 


God; and if He be, then you have nothing to fear from 
such threats as these, for He will not surely let yonder tyrant 
Eblis triumph. He threatens when he has not the power. 
Look up, Selina, and trust to the future. Noureddin is 
still at liberty, and the monarch knows that your father is 
beyond his reach. The poor black slaves and two defense- 
less girls are all upon whom he can wreak his mean revenge. 
Come, Selina, take heart, and trust to a mightier power than 
the king’s. 

Selina raised her head, and slowly opened her eyes upon 
the girl who thus strangely taught her how to act the wo- 
man's part. 

'^My father, she uttered. ^^Did you say he was beyond 
the tyrant’s power?” 

Yes, yes, my lady, for I heard it as we were brought 
hither. He is hidden in the same place to which we were 
destined last night, and no mortal power can drag him un- 
willingly forth/’ 

^'Miriam,” murmured the fair maiden, as she threw 
her arms around her attendant’s neck, I thank thee for 
thy lesson, and God will bless thee for having turned a wan- 
dering heart back to its trust in Him. Go, sire,” she con- 
tinued, turning her gaze upon the half petrified monarch, 
^‘and do thine unholy will. Let thine anger seek its own 
revenge, but curse me no longer with thy presence.” 

Modad knew not how to meet this new power that had 
started up in his path. He knew that Miriam spoke the 
truth when she said that his most dreaded enemies were be- 
yond his reach, and in his soul he felt her words bore a 
fearful prophecy; and with dread imprecations upon his lips, 
he turned away from those whom he knew not how to face; 
but ere he went he swore that no power on earth should 
check his dire revenge. 

Trust him not — trust him not,” Miriam urged, as she 
noticed her mistress pale beneath the king’s threat. Do 


158 


THE KINHS TALI8MAK 


not forget the strange suspicion we conceived upon the 
desert/^ 

Selina^s face glowed again as her companion spoke, and 
she hushed the quicker pulsations that her fears had started 
forth. 

The king moved on from the apartment where he had left 
his female prisoners, and with a hurried step he sought his 
place of private audience. Ahab and Mizar were both 
there, for they dared not be out of their monarches hearing 
now, and the trembling that seized upon them as Modad 
entered showed how much they feared. A dozen turns had 
the king taken between the two marble columns that sup- 
ported the ceiling, when he stopped and smiled a Tartarean 
look, as some new idea of wickedness seemed to cross his 
mind. 

Ahab,^^ said he, while his eyes sparkled with a fierce de- 
light, ^‘the day after to-morrow is the season for the enter- 
tainments at the theater.” 

^‘Yes, sire.” 

The Syrian Lion is in readiness?' 

He is, sire.” 

And the Bengal Tiger?” 

“Is also in readiness, your majesty.” 

“Go you, Mizar, and tell the superintendent that the 
hired swordsman will not be wanted for that day; and tell 
him, too, that from this moment I would not have the ani- 
mals fed. I will find men for the occasion.” 

Mizar turned amazed away, and as soon as he was gone, 
the king exclaimed: 

“Ah, Ahab, I have sport in store. The wild beasts 
shall have food in plenty to make up for fasting.” 

“How means your majesty?” 

“The Egyptian eunuchs, Ahab! They shall give us 
sport in the amphitheater. Thus begins my revenge, and 
woe to the enemy who next falls into my hands!” 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


159 


^^But you will let the poor fellows be armed against the 
beasts?” ventured Ahab, who could not repress a shudder 
at the thought of the cold-blooded purpose of his mon- 
arch. 

Each shall have a club, but no swords or knives; they 
shall not have a vantage. And even then, Ahab, they 
will be twelve against two. Ha, ha!” 

The last clause of the king^s sentence was accompanied 
by a low' chuckle of savage delight, and he^ actually seemed 
to forget his troubles in view of the demoniacal recreation 
he had planned. 

‘‘How think you the people will take it?” he continued, 
losing nothing of his strange satisfaction. 

“ If they knew it to be the king's order, they will take 
it quietly, and no doubt it will prove acceptable to them.” 

Ahab knew that he spoke falsely, and he turned his gaze 
upon the knotting of his sword belt to hide his guilty 
face. Had he dared, he would have advised the king to 
forego his unnatural pastime, for well he knew that the 
people were already much incensed by the summary seizure 
of the censors; and he knew, too, that they liked not such 
inhuman scenes as were thus proposed. But he dared not 
tell the king of this; and though he himself looked with 
loathing upon the spirit which could prompt such cruel 
measures, yet he strove hard to make it appear that he 
participated somewhat in the monarch's revengeful feel- 
ings. 

“It must prove so, Ahab,” the king returned, “for it 
hath been a long time since they have been treated to 
such sport. Go now, and set the officers on the watch at 
the pass, and see, too, that the haunt of that old hag, 
Ossifrage, is well looked to, for that contains a traitor 
which I must hold in my power. Abdah Nazor and this 
bold youth must be in the city somewhere, and as there 
is life in my heart they shall not escape me.” 


160 


THE KINO'S TALISMAN. 


Ahab turned quickly away from his monarch’s presence, 
and Modad thought his servant made haste to serve him. 
He little thought that Ahab had hastened to hide emo- 
tions which, had they been seen, might have looked like 
budding treason. 

The day crept slowly on to its night, and as the royal 
palace was shut in by the gloom of approaching midnight, 
the king sought the rest of his couch, and soon lost his 
senses in an uneasy, dreamy slumber. 

In an apartment not far situated from the royal chamber 
the king’s two mutes had sought their quarters for the night, 
and after a few moments’ hurried consultation by signs and 
nervous gestures, which could be intelligible to none but 
themselves, one of them threw himself upon the couch, 
while the other remained motionless in the center of the 
room till his companion had ceased his movements, and 
then gazing about attentively till he seemed assured that 
no one was stirring, he stooped down and unloosed the san- 
dals from his feet. This having been done, he stepped 
noiselessly to where stood a small ottoman, which he took 
and placed carefully against the door, in such a manner as 
to impede its opening, but at the same time not sufficient 
to give the appearance of an intentional fastening. 

The floor of the apartment was a mosaic pavement of 
black and white marble, each separate block being some ten 
inches square. The mute bent his cheek attentively to the 
door for several moments after he had placed the obstruc- 
tion against it, but no breathing of the air betokened 
any movement without, and dropping upon his hands 
and knees, he crept stealthily to a remote corner of the 
room. Here, mute as he was, with the avenue of sound 
forever closed to his brain, he again stopped, as though a 
noise could have warned him; then drawing his yataghan 
from its sheath, he inserted its point into an almost imper- 
ceptible crevice between two of the paving blocks, and one 


THE KING’S TALISMAN, 


161 


of them was easily lifted from its place. From the small 
cavity thus revealed, the operator drew forth a piece of 
vellum, an ink-horn, and a reed, and then laying the stone 
carefully back to its place, he arose to his feet and sidled 
along to the niche within which burned the taper. Here 
he seated himself upon a spare ottoman, spread the vellum 
upon his knee, took the stopper from the ink-horn, and 
having examined the point of his reed, the poor mute began 
rapidly to write. 

Ah, Modad, little dreamest thou that thy mute, whose 
ears your trumpet could not shake, has a power of compre- 
hending half of all you say. Hot a name of any of those 
whom you have once called in your slaveys presence can 
escape thy lips a second time without his knowing it. 
Those keen, piercing eyes, that once made thee start with 
such a fearful suspicion, have learned the motion of thy 
lips with a dread certainty, and he can translate thy look, 
even when perhaps thine own heart knew not the thoughts 
that moved it. 

For half an hour the mute wrote uninterruptedly, and then 
leaned back from his work. He replaced his writing ma- 
terials back from whence he had taken them, and then 
went to the couch and lay down by the side of his com- 
panion. 

He had not lain long upon his bed ere a slight movement 
was perceptible in one of the cedar panels on the opposite 
side from the door, and in a moment it slid noiselessly from 
its place, while f;*om the aperture thus made, Abdah Hazor 
stepped into the room. 

The mute made a nod of recognition, and pointed to the 
niche where stood the taper. The old man moved as one 
who was well acquainted with the place, as well as used to 
the business in which he was now engaged, and turning to 
the spot thus designated, he took the vellum which the slave 


162 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


had written, and then left the room as he had entered, slid- 
ing the panel carefully back after him. 

In three hours from the time at which Abdah Nazor left 
the chamber of the mute, he stood within his own cave upon 
the side of Mount Hor. At the farther end of the outer 
cave burned a brilliant torch, and drawing a wooden stool 
near to its blaze, the old man ran over the characters which 
the king’s mute had traced upon the parchment. Various 
and varying were the emotions which came and went upon 
the reader’s face, and when at length he had finished the 
scroll, he turned to Noureddin,who had been silently watch- 
ing his movements, and said: 

‘^The time is nearer at hand than I had expected. Selina 
is safe within the king’s palace, and for the present she is 
well treated. Al-Bassa has not yet been found, nor will he 
be until some other than Modad shall bid him come forth. 
The king is working hard to entrap ug, and at the present 
moment he has guards on the watch to see that we do not 
leave the city. Ha, ha! But for the Egyptians he has 
planned more surely. They are to grace the amphitheater, 
and be food for hungry beasts!” 

^'No, no; the king will not do that!” Noureddin cried. 

Modad is capable of doing anything that baseness can 
suggest,” the dervise replied. ^^But enough of the king for 
the present; I have a more weighty matter on hand. It now 
devolves upon me to give thee a treasure which I have for 
thy use and keeping. It was given to me when you were 
yet an infant; with me it was left to award it, or not, as I 
might judge best.” 

As the old man spoke he arose from his seat, lighted 
another torch, and having moved back a huge rock which 
guarded the narrow passage to a deeper cave beyond, he dis- 
appeared within it. 

Fifteen minutes must have passed ere Abdah Nazor re- 
turned, and to Noureddin they seemed like so many hours; 


THE KINHS TAimUAN. 


163 


but at length he came, and in his hand he bore a large 
casket of sandal wood bound with brazen hands and secured 
by a strong lock. 

^‘Here, Noureddin,^^ he said, ^^it is yours; take it, and 
make the most of it.” 

The youth took the heavy casket, placed it upon the rock 
at his feet, then turned the key in its lock and threw back 
the lid. A moment he gazed upon the treasures thus re- 
vealed, and then, placing his hand upon his brow, he mur- 
mured: 

‘‘ Great God, in whom I trust, do I see aright, or is it 
some phantasy that floats before mine eyes?” 


164 


THE KING'S TALISMAN, 


CHAPTEK XX. 

A HAPPY DENOUEMENT. 

The sun rose above the towering, craggy walls of Petra, 
and as its morning beams went dancing over the city, gild- 
ing its domes and marble monuments, its obelisks and 
mausoleums, they found the people stirring anxiously 
through all the streets, hastening along with impulsive 
strides, and seeming to take little note of what passed around 
them. The king was up, and full of preparation. All was 
bustle about the royal palace; servants were hastening to 
and fro with their portentous countenances, and couriers 
came and went with their messages from various parts of the 
city. 

Toward the middle of the valley in which was nestled the 
city, stood the Petran amphitheater. There it stood, and 
there it yet stands, a monument of man’s toil and labor, 
hewn out from the solid rock, its arena, its rising rows of 
benches, its dens, and its columns, all fashioned by the 
chisel from out the tenacious granite. Its brazen doors 
were thrown open, and gradually the eunuchs were to 
stand before the royal lion and tiger, and though human- 
ity shrank palsied from the dreadful spectacle, yet curios- 
ity carried the sway, and the people rushed to behold the 
scene. 

Dense and more dense grew the gathering crowd, till 
thousands had gained seats upon the granite benches, and 
at length a flourish of trumpets announced that the king 
approached. The people arose to their feet as Modad en- 
tered with his train, and a forced, unnatural shout went 
forth to greet him. It was not such a shout as he had be- 


THE HINGES TA LIS MAH. 


165 


fore heard greet his royal presence; but keeping his thoughts 
within his own bosom, he seated himself within the tapes- 
tried inclosure, and then called the superintendent to 
him. 

“^Is all in readiness? asked the king. 

^^It is, sire.” 

Then proclaim the occasion and its cause.” 

Citizens of Petra,” cried the superintendent, his royal 
majesty has ordered the entertainment to proceed, but ere 
that be done he would have you know the cause. Twelve 
of his own Egyptian slaves are condemned to the arena, in 
punishment for having engaged in a conspiracy against 
himself and the city.” 

They dared to save a poor giiTs life!” cried some one 
in the distant crowd. 

Modad sprang to his feet and gazed madly around, and 
his officers started toward the spot from whence the sound 
seemed to proceed; but nothing could be found of the dar- 
ing offender, and they went back to their posts. That sim- 
ple exclamation, however, found a thousand sympathizing 
hearts, and ere long the whispering murmurs threatened 
to break forth into open trouble. Modad saw it, and he 
knew its import, and springing again to his feet, he cried: 

Let the Egyptians come forth! Hasten with the sport, 
for already are the people anxious to behold it.” 

As the king spoke, a nervous excitement prevailed through 
the dense mass of humanity that crowded the amphitheater; 
but when at length the ill-fated Egyptians were led forth, 
every heart was hushed to a painful suspense. More dead 
than alive the poor slaves crept into the arena, and with 
hot, scalding tears rolling down their dark cheeks, they 
looked imploringly around upon the thousands of their fel- 
low-creatures who sat there and gazed upon them. Each 
carried a short club of wood in his hand, but the paltry, 
miserable weapons hung listlessly by their sides, nor seemed 


166 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


they to care whether they used them or not, for well they 
knew that such resistance as they might oifer would pro- 
long the tortures their king had marked out for them. 

Perhaps a minute had elapsed after the eunuchs entered, 
when a deep roar, like the hoarse rumbling of distant thun- 
der, shook the solid rock. A shudder ran through the 
crowd, and instinctively the more tender-hearted turned 
their eyes from the scene. Another roar, more fierce than 
the first, came belching forth, and as its reverberations 
rumbled among the distant mountain cliffs, the low, thril- 
ling growl of the royal tiger cut tlie air! Molech turned, as 
he heard the sound, and gazed a moment upon his compan- 
ions in misery, then he dashed the tears from. his eyes, and 
hurling the insignificant club from him, he folded his arms 
across his heaving breast, and calmly awaited his fate. The 
remaining Egyptians caught the noble impulse of their 
leader s example, and they, too, threw down their miserable 
weapons and banished from them all traces of the deep an- 
guish that had but just moved them. 

^MVhatr^ cried the king, as he saw the unexpected move- 
ment of his victims; ^^will the dogs not fight? Let the 
beasts come forth! Let them come, I say. What — ho, 
there. Unloose the barrier that shuts back the tiger, and 
throw open the lion’s den!” 

The slaves stood un moved, but no beasts came forth. The 
superintendent came into the arena, in a state of intense 
agitation, and the astounded monarch was just upon the 
point of springing down to meet him, when he was startled 
by the appearance upon the stage of one wTiom he had little 
expected to see there, and whom he had occasion to dread. 
It was none other than Abdah Nazor. 

But at the next moment the eyes of the guilty monarch 
rested upon a sight that struck him powerless, and mur- 
muring, in a half-crazed and half-abstracted manner, 
'brother!” he fell back upon his 


THE KING'S TALISMAN, 


167 


Back from the arena came forth a man clad from head 
to heel in glittering armor of polished steel wrought with 
gold and precious stones, and upon his brow he bore a gol- 
den helmet, above the vizor of which, like the blinding sun 
at noonday, flashed and gleamed the King’s Talisman! 
Every eye caught the transcendent sparkling of that mas- 
sive, matchless gem; they saw that well-known armor, 
which for long years had been hidden from the city, and 
they saw the noble form of him who bore those kingly arms, 
and in a moment more those who sat jn front sent forth 
the shout: 

‘^"Tis Merolboth, our good king! Merolboth! Merol- 
both!^' 

^‘No, no, citizens of Petra,” cried Abdah Kazor, ere 
the shout had been taken up by those in the rear — you 
mistake. He who bears the king’s talisman, and he who 
bears upon his loins the king’s armor, has alone the right to 
bear them; but he is not Merolboth. Lend me your ears 
for a few moments, and you shall know all that for many 
long years has been locked up in the breasts of only two 
human beings.” 

“Down with the traitor!” cried Modad, as he recovered 
from the first shock of his terror. “Kabal, Ahab, Mizar, 
seize yonder miscreant, and carry him hence!” 

Hardly had the madman spoke, when he who bore the 
sacred Talisman upon his brow stepped forward and ad- 
dressed the centurion: 

“ Kabal, take your men and guard yonder frenzied man 
who holds the place of the king, and if he move again, 
carry him away.” 

“’Tis Merolboth!” uttered a dozen voices. “His every 
tone and act of noble command.” 

The centurion hesitated not an instant in performing the 
orders he had received fron; the last ^utborit^, and Modad 


168 


THE KING’S TALISMAN. 


soon found himself in the power of those he had been wont 
to command. 

“ Now/' cried the old dervise, in a loud tone, and before 
the people could catch up the last clew that had been given 
them by those who recognized the stranger’s voice and 
manner, you shall know all that I have to communicate, 
and I would have you silent and attentive, that you may un- 
derstand me. 

It is now somewhat over eighteen years since the queen 
of the departed Merolboth gave birth to a son. Many of 
you remember the event, for it cost the beloved queen her 
life. The king saw his lovely consort die, and when he 
found himself alone with his helpless infant, a strange fear 
took possession of his mind, nor had he the power to shake 
it off. At the hard-fought battle of Hedjer, he had received 
a dangerous w'ound, and he knew that it was slowly, but 
surely, eating away his life, and that a few years, at least, 
and perhaps a few months, might terminate his existence. 
He feared for the fate of his infant boy should it be left a 
helpless orphan in the hands of one whom he knew to be 
aspiring to a throne, and he began to study a plan for its 
safety. Merolboth knew that his brother Modad was look- 
ing anxiously upon the Petran throne; he knew that his 
aspiring brother aimed to be king of Idumea, and from his 
knowledge of that brother’s character, he feared that the 
infant heir to the crown would be but a slight obstacle in 
his way; he felt confident that Modad's poison would find 
the life of his boy when he should become its guardian, and 
in his heart the good king resolved that his boy should be 
protected." 

The people had now bent forward in breathless interest, 
and Modad writhed in his agony like an expiring monster. 
The old man wiped the perspiration from his brow, and 
continued: 

I had been Merolboth’s tutor, and to nie he explained 


THE KING’S TALISMAN 


169 


his fears and made known his determination. I remember 
his words as though he had spoken them but now. ^ Abdah 
Nazor, ' said he to me, and the tears ran down the good king’s 
cheeks as he spoke, ' I cannot livelong, as you yourself know, 
and before I die I would provide for the safety of my infant 
boy. In the hands of my brother I dare not leave it, for it 
would stand between him and a throne. Therefore, Abdah 
Nazor, I give it henceforth to you, and to the world I will 
proclaim its death. Seek you out some one — some poor and 
honest man — who will adopt it as his own, and be you its 
counselor, its tutor, and its guide. If the boy lives and 
grows, make him fit to be a king; and when he has reached 
the age of eighteen years, if he be fit for a king, then you 
shall proclaim his true birth; and if he prove unworthy of a 
crown, let him die in his obscurity.’ I sincerely believe 
that the people will receive in kindness and in love the only 
child of their faithful Merolboth.” 

Yes! yes!” burst spontaneously from a thousand hearts. 

Give us our good king’s son, and if necessary, our heart’s 
blood shall cement his throne!” 

The old man raised his eyes to heaven, and then waving 
his hand for silence, he continued: 

I took the child, and with it I received a casket con- 
taining the King’s Talisman, together with all the necessary 
documents for substantiating the boy’s birth. The king 
also gave to me his royal armor, and bade me preserve the 
treasure with a jealous care for his son. To a woman called 
Ossifrage, one devout and pious, I intrusted the infant, and 
shortly afterward it was given in adoption to an honest man, 
Ali Kinah, the poor corn-seller. The good king lived nearly 
five years after this event, but as he grew weaker and 
weaker every day, he thought it not safe to recall what he 
had done. He often saw his little son, and his heart was 
made light and joyous in death, by a knowledge of the 
poble dispositiop which eyep the child ha4 begun tg 


170 


THE KING'S TALISMAN. 


Mbit. Time has been slowly creeping on, and the night of 
Idumea’s state is passed. I have done my duty, and God 
knows that Merolboth’s prince is all that a brave, intelli- 
gent, generous, and noble man can be. I have tried him, 
and I have found him worthy, and in God’s name I have 
given to him what for eighteen years was mine in trust — 
The King’s Talisman!’’ 

As Abdah Nazor spoke, he turned and led forward the 
man who bore the royal insignia upon his brow. 

Here, citizens of Petra, and subjects of Idumea,” he 
said, is your king. The censor shall examine the docu- 
ments of Merolboth, but to those noble features alone will I 
trust for his passport to your love.” 

As the old man spoke, the new king took the helmet from 
his head, and turned his handsome face, all glowing with 
love and gratitude, around upon the people. Within the 
lustrous depths of those darkly flashing eyes, and from every 
turning of those noble features beamed the exact counter- 
part of the sainted Merolboth. All knew that their eyes 
rested upon the true son of a kingly sire, and in a moment 
more, while the yet gazing thousands were almost spell- 
bound, the two censors entered the arena from without, and 
ere the people could remember that they had been impris- 
oned,, Moran cried out: 

The first act of the new king has been to release your 
aged censors from Modad’s dungeon. Noureddin is our 
king, and long may he live and reign!” 

The torch had been lighted — the spark had gone forth, 
and as bursts the roaring bolts of heaven’s thunder over the 
trembling earth, so burst forth the shout of Idumea’s en- 
raptured throng: 

‘‘Noureddin! Koureddin! Long may he live and 
reign !” 

Like the descending avalanche, the people poured over 
^he spaciouB arep^ and knelt at the feet of their monarch- 


THE HINGES TA LIS MAH. 


171 


hut among them all there were none more bowed down with 
the heart’s full weight of gratitude than were those twelve 
Egyptians, who saw in their new king the blessed savior of 
their lives. 

« H« 4c % 

Come, Modad,” said Nabal, as the people began to fol- 
low the youthful monarch from the amphitheater, "^the 
people are going, and we must follow. It is an unpleasant 
duty, but it must be done.” 

As the centurion spoke, he placed his hand upon the arm 
of the fallen man; but Modad moved not at the summons. 
His eyes were fixed with a vacant, glassy stare upon the spot 
where had stood Noureddin, and where had flashed the 
King’s Talisman. Noureddin bent forward and gazed into 
the ex-monarch’s face; he laid his hand upon the uncrowned 
brow, and it was cold and clammy. The centurion felt a 
cold shudder creeping through his frame; the people had 
gone, and he and his soldiers were left alone with the dead! 

‘^Come, lady,” said Ahab, as he entered the room where 
sat Selina and her attendant; ‘‘the king desires your pres- 
ence.” 

“ What is the monarch’s will ?” asked the poor girl. 

“I know not — but come.” 

As Ahab spoke, he took the maiden’s hand and led her 
away, while Miriam instinctively followed. Slowly and 
fearfully Selina approached the vast hall of audience, and 
as the purple curtains were drawn aside, she started at the 
glittering throng of armed knights and noble gentlemen. 
With a cold shudder her eyes sought the royal throne; but 
as her gaze rested for an instant there, a wild, burning 
thrill sent the warm blood up from her bounding heart. He 
whom she loved sat on the throne, and beside him stood her 
father and Ali Kinah, the corn-seller. 

“ Courage, courage,” whispered the gentle Miriam, “ Bu 


172 


THE ATNG^S TALISMAH. 


not surprised at what you see. Remember what I told you, 
when you asked me upon the desert concerning our preserver; 
I knew that none save the son could so resemble the king’s 
portrait which hangs in your father’s hall. Courage, cour- 
age, Selina.” 

Al-Bassa had embraced his daughter, the youthful mon- 
arch had pressed her to his bosom, and then seated her on 
his throne. 

Friends,” said he, as he turned his happy gaze from 
his betrothed to his joyful subjects, behold your queen — 
the daughter of Al-Bassa — the beautiful, the good Selina!” 

^‘The Kiitg and his Queejs"! God bless them both!” 
swelled in the air from a host of thankful hearts. But the 
end was not yet, for ere the sound died away, a messenger 
entered and informed the king that a stranger demanded 
admittance. 

Then let him come,” Noureddin said. 

In a moment more, the form of Marmiel, the Arab chief, 
stalked proudly into the hall, and at his back a hundred 
stalwart followers. 

Xoureddin,” pronounced Marmiel, in a strong, clear 
voice, told thee if you ever had need of my arm it 
should be yours; and who more needs the strong arm of his 
people than their king. To a tyrant I will never bow; but 
to thee, just and good Noureddin and your fair consort, I 
offer my humble sword.” 

As the Arab chieftain spoke, he fell on his knees, and his 
voice went forth in a heartfelt shout of loyal joy, which was 
caught up by the multitude who thronged the hall, as they 
echoed back the joyous cry. 

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sent, postage free, to any address, on receipt of price, by 
the publishers, 

STREET & SMITH, 

31 Rose St., New York. 


P. 0. Box 2734. 


so 70V LIKE SETECTI7E STORIES? 


You will find the Very Best, by Authors of First-class Ability, in 

THE SECRET SERVICE SERIES, 

(S. S. S.) 

ISSUED MONTHLY, 

STREET & SMITH, Publishers, New York. 


This series is enjoying a larger sale than any similar series 
ever publishea. None but American Authors are represented on our 
list, and the Books are all Copyrighted, and can be had only in the 

SECRET SERVICE SERIES. 


LATEST ISSUES. 


rrlo©, 23 Oeaats OBcioli.. 


FULLY ILLUSTRATED. 

No. 16.— The Mountaineer Detective, by Clayton W. 

Cobb. 

No. 15— Tom and Jerry, by Tony Pastor. 

No. 14— The Detective’s Clew, by “Old Hutch.” 

No. 13— Darke Darrell, by Frank H. Stauffer. 

No. 12— The Dog Detective, by Lieutenant Murray. 

No. 11— The Maltese Cross, by Eugene T. Sawyer. 

No. 10— The Post-Office Detective, by Geo. w. Goode. 
No. 9— Old Mortality, by Young Baxter. 

No. 8— Little Lightning, by Police Captain James. 

No. 7— The Chosen Man. 

No. 6— Old Stonewall. 

No. 5— The Masked Detective. 

No. 4— The Twin Detectives, byK. F. Hill. 

No. 3-Van the Government Detective, by “Old 

Sleuth.” 

No. 2— Bruce Angelo, by “Old Sleuth.” 

No. 1-Brant Adams, by “Old sleuth.” 

For Sale by all Newsdealers, or will be sent by mail on receipt of 
price by the publishers, Stbeet & Smith, New York. 


I 


Stories of Strange Adventure Afloat and Ashore. 


ISSUED MONTHLY. 


All Book's in this Series are Fully Illustrated. 


The above-named series is issued in clear, large type, uniform in 
size with “ The Select Series,” and will consist of the most thrilling 
and ingeniously constructed stories, by popular and experienced 
writers in the field of fiction. The following books are now ready: 

No. 1.— An Irish Monte Cristo, by John Sherman. 

No. 2.— The Silver Ship, by Lewis Leon. 

No. 3.— The Brown Princess, by M. V. Victor. 

No. 4.— The Locksmith of Lyons, by Prof Wm. Henry 

Peck. 

No. 5.— Theodora, written from the popular play by John R. 
Coryell. 


IPrioe, Q5 Oents Eacli. 


For sale by all Booksellers and News Agents, or will be sent, postage 
free, to any address in the United States or Canada, on receipt of price, 
by the publishers, 

STREET & SMITH, 

P. O. BOX 2734. 31 ROSE STREET, NEW YORK. 



UNANIMOUSLY ACKNOWLEDGED TO BE THE 

GREATEST STORY and SKETCH PAPER. 


FOE SALE BY ALL BOOKSELLERS AIO) NEWSDEALERS. 
BY MAIL, $3 A YEAH, POSTAGE PBEE. 

STREET & SMITH, PUBLISHERS, 

Q3—31 JRose Street, 


NEW YOBK. 


$ 50 , 147 . 00 ! 


This large sum repre- 
dents the cost of the 
reading matter and il- 
lustrations that ap- 
peared during the past 
year in Street & Smith’s 
New York Weekly, the 
best Story and Sketch 
Paper in the world. 

For sale by all Book- 
sellers and Newsdeal- 
ers. $3.00 a year by 
mail . 

STREET & SMITH, 

31 Rose St . , 

New York. 



THE SECRET SERVICE SERIES. 


This Series comprises the best Detective Stories, by the most popu- 
lar authors, ever published. It is issued monthly, and the boohs are 
fully illustrated. The following are the latest issues : 

No. 20-THE MYSTERY OF A MADSTONE^ by K. F. Hill. 
No. ID-TIIE SWORDSMAN OF WARSAW, by Tony Pastor. 
No. 18-A WAIL STREET HAUL, by Nick Carter. 

No. 17-THE OLD DETECTIYE’S PUPIL, by Nick Carter. 

No. IG-THE MOUNTAINEER DETECTIYE, by Clayton W. 
Cobb. 

No. 15— TOM AND JERRY, by Tony Pastor. 

No. 14-THE DETECTIYE’S CLEW, by ‘^Old Hutch.” 

No. 13— DARKE DARRELL, by Frank H. Stauffer. 

No. 12— THE 1)00 DETECTIYE, by Lieutenant Murray. 

No. 11— THE MALTESE CROSS, by Eugene T. Sawyer. 

No. 10-THE POST-OFFICE DETECTIYE, by Geo. W. Goodo 
No. 9— OLD MORTALITY, by Young Baxter. 

No. 8-LITTLE LIGHTNING, by Police Captahi James. 

Xo. 7— THE CHOSEN MAN. by ‘^Old Sleuth/' 




THE CELEBRATED 



grand, square AKID UPRIGHT 



PIANOS 

Af 8 at present the most popular," 

AND PEEFERRED BY THE LEADING ARTISTS. 

Tlie Wonderful Bijou Gran I 


The SOHMER Pianos "are used 
in the following Institutions : 

Convent of the Sacred Heart, Manhat- 
tan ville, N. Y. 

Vofft’s Conservatory of Music. 
Arnold’s Conservatory of Music, 

Philadelphia Conservatory of Music^^’ 
Vito de Sales Convent, Lon^ Island. 

Conservatory of Music. 
Villa Maria Convent, Montreal. 

Vassar College, Poughkeepsie. 

^|]-^.^^*®8-ding^r8t-class the- 
aters m NEW YORK and BROOKLYN. 


{lately patented) by SOHMER & CO., 
Orand .ever inamifac- 
tured (length only 5 feet) has created'a 
sensation among musicians and artists. 
The music loving public will find itlur 

of ^SO hSw^X^ rn jarerooms 

or oOHMER & CO., and examine 
the various styles of Grands, Uprights 
aiul Square Pianos. The original and 
beautitul designs and improvements in 
Grands ami Upright Piauos deserve 
special attention. 


Btceived First. Pri^ Centennial F^yositim, PhUadellhia. 1876. 

Received First Prize at Mchibition, Montreal, Canada, 1881 and 1882 

SOHMER & CO., 

MANDPACTUEEKS OP GRAND, SQUARE ANDJUPRIGHT PIANOPOETEB 

Warerooms, 149, I51, 153, 165 East 14th St., N. V. 








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